‘I almost forgot how great I was’

Israel Adesanya doesn’t lack any motivation forward of his first UFC non-title struggle in years.

Adesanya (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) will look to snap a two-fight dropping skid when he meets Nassourdine Imavov (15-4 MMA, 7-2 UFC) Feb. 1 within the UFC Struggle Night time 250 headliner at ANB Enviornment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In his first reign as UFC middleweight champion, Adesanya defended his title 5 occasions. He was in a position to recapture the belt by knocking out longtime rival Alex Pereira, however went on to lose back-to-back title fights to Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis.

“The Stylebender” is a shoe-in for a spot within the UFC Corridor of Fame sometime, however why is he nonetheless combating?

“As a result of I can – and I’m actually, actually, actually good at it,” Adesanya stated on his YouTube channel. “I nearly forgot how nice I used to be, however then not too long ago I simply realized like, ‘F*ck, I’m good at this sh*t.’ I overlook as a result of – causes, however yeah, it’s good to remind your self. I preserve saying, ‘Ya’ll will need to have forgot.’ F*ck, I nearly forgot.”

Imavov is a rising middleweight contender, however doesn’t maintain the identify worth of the likes of Pereira, Du Plessis or Strickland simply but. Nevertheless, that doesn’t change Adesanya’s motivation.

“I do know he’s harmful. I do know he’s slick. I like his type,” Adesanya stated of Imavov. “Not dangerous footwork. He’s harmful – very well-rounded. It’s not about him, it’s about me. It’s about bettering, simply scripting this chapter.

“I really like the best way issues are enjoying out. It’s about me and simply bettering and actually exhibiting what I can actually do within the full vary of combined martial arts. You’ve received a motherf*cker swinging at you, attempting to take your head off – you higher be up.”

For now, Adesanya is simply having fun with the method.

“I’ve achieved my goals on this sport,” Adesanya stated. “I nonetheless have some extra goals to realize, however the primary ones I’ve (achieved). (I wish to) simply take pleasure in this sh*t. I’m going to positively get a submission (earlier than I retire). That’s positively a giant one. I don’t even care concerning the belt. I wish to get somebody’s f*cking ankle or neck.”