Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has dropped a surprising revelation about his fighting future, suggesting he may have more bouts left than many fans anticipated. The 36-year-old star, who is gearing up for a pivotal Fight Night main event against rising contender Joe Pyfer on 28 March in Seattle, hinted that his career could extend further than expected during a recent discussion on his YouTube channel.
Adesanya's Unexpected Career Projection
While many observers believed the Nigerian-born New Zealander might be approaching retirement with just a few contests remaining, Adesanya offered a different perspective when speaking with his brother. "Less than 10 [fights left]," Adesanya declared. "What, are you surprised?" When his brother suggested he thought "The Last Stylebender" might only have four or five fights remaining, Adesanya responded with uncertainty about the exact number but confirmed it wouldn't exceed ten.
The former champion elaborated on his timeline, stating: "So, if I fight now and 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 where I'll be like... I don't know yet, I can't see past 2027." Adesanya acknowledged being on the "tail end" of his career but emphasized he doesn't focus too far ahead, simply recognizing that "the finish line" is now closer than before.
Crucial Seattle Showdown Approaches
Adesanya's immediate focus is his upcoming clash with Joe Pyfer, which presents a classic veteran versus rising star matchup. The 29-year-old American enters the bout riding a three-fight winning streak, having rebounded impressively from his sole UFC loss in 2024. Pyfer's recent victories include a knockout of Marc-Andre Barriault, a decision over Kelvin Gastelum, and a submission of Abus Magomedov in October.
For Adesanya, this fight represents an opportunity to snap a concerning three-fight losing streak that has seen him go 1-4 in his last five appearances. The former champion's last victory came in April 2023 when he dramatically knocked out old rival Alex Pereira to regain the UFC middleweight title, avenging a previous stoppage loss to the Brazilian from November 2022.
Recent Struggles and Championship History
Adesanya's second championship reign proved short-lived despite his impressive first stint as champion, which lasted three years and included five successful title defenses. After reclaiming the belt from Pereira, Adesanya lost it to Sean Strickland in September 2023, then failed to recapture it from Strickland's successor Dricus Du Plessis in 2024 when he was submitted by the South African. The losing streak continued last February with a knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov.
Meanwhile, Pyfer has been building momentum since his decision defeat to Jack Hermansson in February 2024, which temporarily derailed the hype surrounding the American prospect who began his UFC career with three consecutive stoppage victories. The Seattle main event will test whether Pyfer's powerful striking can neutralize Adesanya's renowned technical skills and movement, while also challenging the veteran's experience against youthful ambition.
As fight night approaches, Adesanya's unexpected career projection adds an intriguing layer to what already promises to be a compelling matchup between a former champion seeking redemption and a hungry contender looking to make his mark on the division.
