Israel Adesanya is ready to step again into the Octagon following an absence of over a 12 months.
Adesanya as soon as rode a 12-fight profitable streak within the UFC middleweight division, highlighted by an prolonged title reign on the high of the division that featured 5 profitable defenses towards elite contenders, together with Robert Whittaker, Paulo Costa, and Yoel Romero. Now, the previous champion finds himself navigating probably the most difficult section of his skilled profession.
“The Final Stylebender” is at present enduring a three-fight slide that started after his redemption victory over Alex Pereira, the place he scored a brutal knockout of their rematch at UFC 287 in April 2023. That momentum shortly stalled later within the 12 months, as Adesanya misplaced his 185-pound title in a stunning upset decision loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293.
The 36-year-old Nigerian-born Kiwi was granted a straight title alternative towards then-champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 in August 2024, however the bout resulted in disappointment as he was submitted. Adesanya returned to motion at UFC Saudi Arabia in February 2025, the place his comeback was halted by a knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov.
Now, Israel Adesanya will intention to reset his momentum when he makes his UFC return this March.
Israel Adesanya Set To Face Joe Pyfer In UFC Seattle Foremost Occasion
On Tuesday, UFC CEO Dana White introduced a middleweight matchup, with former two-time champion Israel Adesanya set to face No. 15-ranked Joe Pyfer within the main event of UFC Seattle. The Struggle Night time card is scheduled for March 28 and can happen at Local weather Pledge Area in Washington.
Adesanya owns knowledgeable report of 24–5, with a 13–5 run contained in the UFC, together with 5 victories secured by knockout within the promotion.
In the meantime, Pyfer enters the matchup using a three-fight profitable streak and was final seen in motion at UFC 320 in October, the place he secured a second-round submission victory over Abus Magomedov. “Bodybagz” final tasted defeat in February 2024, dropping a unanimous resolution to Jack Hermansson.
The 29-year-old American sports activities a 6-1 report contained in the UFC and a 15-1 mark general, with 9 of his victories coming by knockout and 4 by submission.
