Two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has expressed his readiness for the fight against Nassourdine Imavov.

The Nigerian-Zealand fighter will be up against France’s Imavov in Saudi Arabia next month.

On the rumoured boxing match between Francis Ngannou and Deontay Wilder, Adesanya expressed the belief that Ngannou will emerge triumphant.

According to him, Ngannou's ability to become a boxing star after just two fights is enough factor to consider going into the bout if it materializes.

“Francis Ngannou and Deontay Wilder certainly still have the tools to be in the ring together. People forget in this TikTok generation who Deontay Wilder is – who has one of the highest finishing rates in heavyweight boxing history and Francis Ngannou also became a star in the boxing world in just two fights,” Adesanya told Stake.

The 35-year-old questioned Wilder’s mental state following recent setbacks.

“I would back my boy Francis to win this fight. It also depends on where Deontay is mentally. In one of his last interviews, he spoke about going to the jungle and doing Ayahuasca, so who knows where he is at,” he added.

Adesanya also had words to say concerning the middleweight title bout between Du Plessis and Sean Strickland.

“I think Dricus takes the cake. He’s a really good fighter and he is good at what he does. He’s already beaten Strickland – even though he just edged it out, but I think he still won. I think this time it will be a bit more decisive,” he stated.