In a compelling pre-fight interview, Israel Adesanya, a seasoned warrior of the octagon, candidly shared his thoughts on his current phase in mixed martial arts (MMA). Despite feeling like the 'old dog' amidst a surge of young talent, the two-time former UFC champion remains resolute in his belief that he’s still a formidable competitor.

Adesanya, at 35, has established a remarkable legacy as one of the greatest middleweights in history. However, he approaches his upcoming bout against Nassourdine Imavov on February 1, 2025, feeling the weight of consecutive defeats for the first time in his impressive 13-year MMA career.

"I said 'gatekeeper' as a joke. I feel like the old dog, and there are young guys trying to prove themselves. It's my job to send them back down and let them know I’m still here," Adesanya stated, showcasing his competitive spirit.

His last title reign ended dramatically when he lost the middleweight belt to Sean Strickland in a shocking upset in 2023. Following that, he faced Dricus du Plessis in another title fight, further deepening the stakes of this matchup against Imavov.

This forthcoming contest marks a pivotal point for Adesanya; it will be the first time in 13 fights that he will compete without the high stakes of a UFC championship on the line. At 28, Imavov brings a three-fight winning streak into this bout, intensifying the rivalry and the challenge ahead for Adesanya.

Adesanya expressed his motivation clearly, stating:

"I’m kind of being selfish – I fight for my team, my family, and my real fans, but this I am doing for myself. It’s really important to me."

He emphasized that, while the belts will always come back around, his primary goal is to unlock the potential he still believes exists within him. He declared, "I’m not chasing anything; I don’t need anything. I’m just doing what I love."

As fans eagerly anticipate the showdown in Riyadh, Adesanya's unwavering confidence and hunger for improvement create an electrifying atmosphere. Can he prove that the 'old dog' still packs a punch? The answers will unfold inside the octagon on fight night.

Stay tuned for live updates and fight coverage on the BBC Sport website and app.