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Israel Adesanya returns to non-title competition for the first time in nearly six years. His last non-title bout was a grueling war against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236. However, back-to-back defeats to Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis have some wondering how much he has left in the tank.
Over the last seven years, Adesanya has fought 17 times, fronted 12 pay-per-view events, and carried the burden of championship expectations. Surprisingly, he has managed such a workload, but the wear and tear could be catching up to him. As former champion Daniel Cormier noted, the hunger may not be as intense as it once was. He's different now: financially set, famous, and his legacy already cemented, unlike when he fought Gastelum for an interim belt. The question is whether he can still summon the same fire in a non-title setting.
Imavov will enter the bout after three consecutive wins and a massive win over Brendan Allen. On paper, Imavov is a slick and efficient striker, though still untested by elite-level guys like Whittaker and Pereira. Adesanya could be the last check mark he needs on his resume to have a shot at the belt.
With all the talk of Adesanya falling off, the skill and precision of Imavov there is a reason the lines on this fight are so close. However, we still think Adesanya has enough left in the tank to win with one.
Prediction: Israel Adesanya To Win By Decision
Shara Magomedov has been an exciting addition to the UFC middleweight division, but his blindness in one eye limited the reigns he can fight. Still, he's racked up a perfect 15-0 record with four victories inside the UFC octagon, and a pair of knockout wins with three post-fight bonuses.
Michael "Venom" Page, or MVP for short, is more of a point-based kickboxer, considering that he came from Muay Thai disciplines, where every strike aims at breaking an opponent.
Coming into the UFC somewhat later in his career, MVP is now 38 years old. While the win in his debut over Kevin Holland showed he still had elite striking, falling to Ian Garry in his second fight exposed him against higher-level competition. Moving up to 185 pounds for this fight is a concern as it's not his natural weight class. Still, his speed and elusive movement could outpoint a shorter three-round fight.
Though Page did say that he may have to grapple, knowing full well Magomedov's lack of wrestling and jiu-jitsu commitment. The most likely way Page wins is by frustrating Magomedov with better footwork and counter-striking to a decision. That being said, Magomedov's relentless aggression and power make him the favorite, as MVP will need not get overwhelmed over 15 minutes. Either could win, but the advantage of pressure and finishing ability goes to Magomedov.
Prediction: Shara Magomedov To Win By KO/TKO/DQ