Israel Adesanya has endured a tough year. After losing his middleweight title to Sean Strickland in September last year, the former champion failed to reclaim the title against Dricus Du Plessis this past August. Adesanya who had been a dominant champion for four years has faced two losses is his last two fights with many calling it an end to his career.

However, Dana White recently revealed some huge news that has fans eagerly talking. In a recent video posted on X, the UFC CEO announced that the former champion will return to action in 2025 to fight #5 ranked Nassourdine Imavov. Chael Sonnen who has always been a fan of ‘Izzy’ isn’t quite impressed with the new development.

Chael Sonnen gives his honest update about Israel Adesanya’s upcoming fight

Israel Adesanya who was one of the most active champions in the past will compete in his first non-title fight since February 2019. The former two-time middleweight champion is set to face Nassourdine Imavov, who holds a 15-4 record in his career. The UFC president couldn’t hide his excitement as he pumped up the upcoming fight. He enthusiastically said, “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re heading back to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 1. I’ll see you there!”. With the UFC set to return to Riyadh for another major event on February 1st, the spotlight will be on Adesanya’s comeback against Imavov.

However, former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen didn’t feel as enthusiastic as the UFC head honcho while reacting to the matchup. Firstly, in the video, Sonnen mistook Nassourdine Imavov for Ikram Aliskerov – let’s clear that bit up first.

Still, the 47-year-old took to his YouTube channel to share his honest opinion on why he doesn’t like the new matchup with ‘Stylebender’. He said, “So that’s where I got to ask you if is Izzy fighting somebody. Because, why didn’t I hear it from Izzy, and what’s different? Did it come from Izzy? Is that where you guys got it? And I am behind – all possible. And I am just curious on a new system – a new system that Izzy would have to go through, and you got to understand his last system got interrupted. He was not handed the microphone at the end of the night.” 

‘The American Gangster’ pointed out that in the past, Israel Adesanya would be the one to break news of his fights by talking to directly to his fans. However, in this case, the news came from the UFC head honcho, indicating that the Nigerian-Kiwi fighter doesn’t command the same weight he once used to in his pre-UFC championship and championship days.

Before UFC President Dana White made the official announcement, another fighter who was also considered a potential opponent for Adesanya had already spoken about the possibility of the matchup. Caio Borralho, currently ranked #6, was also being considered as Adesanya’s next potential opponent, alongside Imavov. However, the Brazilian knows exactly why ‘Stylebender’ is facing Imamov next, and not him.

Caio Borralho knows exactly why Israel Adesanya did not choose him for a fight

Fighting out of the ‘Fighting Nerds’ camp, Caio Borralho is one of the most exciting prospects competing the UFC’s middleweight division. The Brazilian finisher has a near-perfect record if 17-1 (1 NC), with five knockout victories and four submission wins in his pro-MMA record. At age 31, ‘The Natural’ is entering his fighting prime, so it’s no surprise that he has ‘The Last Stylebender’ is in his line of sight. However, since Adesanya has been booked against Imamov, Borralho understands why ‘Stylebender’ chose to fight the Frenchman and not him, and explained the reason in a conversation with Inside Fighting.

He said, I don’t care that much. I wanted the Israel Adesanya fight and I think they presented two fighters for him- me and Imavov. And I think he chose Imavov, you know. He actually posted a story on his Instagram studying Imavov’s tape. So I think he already made his choice and I’m just waiting.” Additionally, Borralho revealed that Adesanya chose the Frenchman simply because Imavov is ranked higher than him, and is coming off an impressive victory.

The matchup between Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov is intriguing, to say the least. Much like Adesanya, the Frenchman is an exciting striker with KO wins over names like Jared Cannonier and Edmen Shabazyan. Additionally, ‘The Sniper’ has a respectable ground game with four submission wins on his pro record. Going by Adesanya’s track record in recent fights, this may actually be a career-defining bout for the 35-year-old Nigerian-Kiwi, who will start to enter the waning years of athletic prime in 2025. Will ‘Stylebender’ be able to find a victory, and make one more run at the title, or will this be the passing of the torch from the old generation to the next? Let us know in the comments down below.