On February 1, 2025, UFC Fight Night 250 is set to take place at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring a pivotal middleweight bout between former champion Israel Adesanya and rising contender Nassourdine Imavov. Adesanya, known as “The Last Stylebender,” is aiming to rebound from consecutive losses, including a submission defeat to Dricus Du Plessis in August 2024. This fight marks his first non-title bout since 2019, presenting a crucial opportunity to re-establish his dominance in the middleweight division. However, it seems that the former champion is struggling with his weight at the moment.

In the world of mixed martial arts, a fighter’s toughest battle often happens before they even step inside the Octagon. The weight-cut process is a brutal, exhausting ordeal that pushes UFC athletes to their physical and mental limits. Fighters spend weeks dieting and depleting their bodies, followed by a grueling final stretch of extreme dehydration just to hit the required weight for their division. Failing to make weight can have career-altering consequences. Fighters who miss weight often forfeit a percentage of their purse to their opponent, face public scrutiny, and may even be forced to move up a division. But it seems ‘The Last Style Bender’ won’t be going down without a challenge.

Red Corner MMA took to their Instagram account to share a video of the entire process. In the video, ‘Izzy’ can be seen crying but somehow manages to keep himself motivated to push himself for the final few pounds. Weight cutting is one of the most grueling aspects of mixed martial arts, pushing UFC fighters to their physical and mental limits. While fans see fighters perform at their peak inside the Octagon, few realize the brutal toll of shedding pounds before stepping onto the scale. Fighters typically dehydrate themselves to make weight, often dropping 10-20 pounds in the final days before weigh-ins.

Israel Adesanya’s next fight is more than just another bout—it’s a defining moment in his career. Coming off back-to-back setbacks, ‘The Last Stylebender’ needs a statement win to prove he’s still a dominant force in the middleweight division. A loss could push him further from the championship picture, while a victory revives his legacy. However, the fans are more concerned about his weight cut rather than the fight.

Israel Adesanya’s brutal weight-cut video divides the fans online

Israel Adesanya, renowned for his striking prowess and agility in the UFC’s middleweight division, has generally navigated weight cuts with relative ease. Standing at 6’4″ and competing at 185 pounds, his lean physique aligns well with his weight class, minimizing the severe dehydration tactics many fighters endure. But it seems he is struggling this time around and the fans are also questioning his professionalism.

One user appreciated Adesanya’s mental resilience. They acknowledges that weight cutting is not just a physical challenge but a psychological battle where fighters push past their limits and commented, “That’s a real man who just went to the most deepest of his mind to overcome his physical state” One fan pointed out about Adesanya’s legacy. While he has his critics, his impact on MMA is undeniable. He suggested that love him or hate him, his absence will leave a void in the sport once he retires, “Say what y’all want but the whole sports will miss him when he’s gone”

One user is puzzled because Adesanya doesn’t have the traditionally big frame of a middleweight. Some fighters cut excessive weight to compete in a lower class, but Adesanya is naturally lean. The confusion likely comes from the expectation that his cut should be easier compared to bulkier fighters and he commented, “Izzy is small for 185 tho so I’m confused why it’s hard for him.” Adesanya is known for his interest in spiritual practices, anime, and personal rituals before fights, implying that restrictions in Saudi Arabia might affect him mentally pointed out one of the fans, “He crying cause he can’t do voodoo sh*t in Saudi. lol”

A dismissive take suggested that Adesanya complains too much. This could be from a user who feels he talks a lot about his struggles rather than just focusing on fighting and commented, “Always crying” One user aimed a direct taunt at Adesanya, possibly from an Imavov supporter, and commented, “Do not cry little kid. Imavov will end your chapitre” One user encouraged Adesanya to believe in himself. While Adesanya is more of a technical striker than a knockout artist, the user is urging him to rely on his power and striking ability to get the job done and commented, “You know you got that KO power blud just knock him out”

These diverse reactions highlight the intense emotions surrounding Adesanya—some respect his struggle, some criticize his mindset, and others simply troll. What do you feel about the brutal weight cuts ‘The Last Stylebender’ puts himself through? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.