Israel Adesanya Reveals Upsetting News to Fans Regarding Retirement from Fighting Career

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya talks about his upcoming fight and lays out retirement timeline.

Israel Adesanya Reveals Upsetting News to Fans Regarding Retirement from Fighting Career

Israel Adesanya gets candid about retirement (via UFC)

In Short
  • Israel Adesanya has indicated he expects to fight less than 10 more times before retiring from MMA.
  • He is preparing to face Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle, marking his return after recent knockout losses.
  • Adesanya plans to transition from fighting to interests in entertainment and gaming post-retirement.

Israel Adesanya has been competing in combat sports since 2010, turning professional at age 21. He has fought in more than 80 kickboxing bouts and roughly 30 MMA fights across his career. The physical and mental toll of this extensive competition has been significant, affecting his training and recovery. This strain likely contributed to his recent comments on retirement as he prepares for his UFC return.

Adesanya began his career as a kickboxer before branching into Muay Thai and boxing, and he earned a UFC contract. After his UFC debut, he quickly established himself with a string of victories that culminated in winning the middleweight belt from Robert Whittaker in 2019. His reign as champion was among the most dominant in recent history, highlighted by five successful title defenses.

However, Adesanya saw a dip in his career, beginning with a title loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293. That was followed by a submission defeat to Dricus Du Plessis and a recent knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov. These setbacks contrast with his earlier dominance and have led him to consider the remainder of his career. As a result, ‘Stylebender’ has weighed in on how many fights he expects before retiring.

Less than 10. I know it’s less than 10. It can’t be more than 10. So if I fight now, I fight one more time towards the end of the year, maybe. That’s two fights. If I do two fights a year, next year I can still fight. 2028 is going to be like, I don’t know yet. I can’t see past 2027. I don’t know. I don’t think that far ahead at the moment. I do glance at it, and I just know I’m on the tail end. I can see the finish line. I’ve been seeing the finish line in the distance, but now it’s closer.

Israel Adesanya via YouTube

Adesanya’s comments come as he prepares to face rising contender Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle in March. This will be his first Octagon appearance since the knockout loss to Imavov in February 2025. By taking on an opponent seven years younger, he has silenced doubts about his ability to keep competing. The matchup highlights his determination and willingness to face elite competition despite recent setbacks.

Israel Adesanya has addressed retirement multiple times and outlined life beyond MMA. He made it clear that his fighting days are ending and that he does not plan to pursue professional boxing. He also highlighted interests, including entertainment and gaming, as part of his plans. These remarks reflect his gradual transition from full‑time fighting while still planning a limited number of final MMA bouts.

Fans react to Israel Adesanya’s retirement timeline

Many fans are comparing Israel Adesanya’s mindset to that of his younger self, noting his confidence and focus heading into the UFC Seattle bout. At the same time, some express concern over his recent performances, fearing he could be knocked out by Joe Pyfer in his return. Social media discussions often highlight the contrast between his past dominance and current form.

Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya (via GiveMeSport)

Many fans are reminiscing about how great Israel Adesanya’s career and run as middleweight champion were, often pointing to his dominant title reign and memorable victories. Commenters have called out doubters who lost faith after his recent setbacks, arguing his past achievements prove he still belongs among elite fighters. These reactions reflect respect for his legacy while building support ahead of his UFC return.

Many fans are speaking about the roughly ten fights Israel Adesanya has planned for the remainder of his career, noting that this is a heavy load given his age. Social media discussions highlight concerns for his long-term health, with some urging him to retire earlier to avoid further damage. Others acknowledge his experience but emphasize the physical toll of repeated high-level competition.

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