Israel Adesanya recently discussed when he might be able to hang up the gloves as he reaches the end of his career.
For now, Adesanya will return to the octagon after well over a year away and will headline UFC Seattle opposite Joe Pyfer on March 28.
The Nigerian-born Kiwi, who has lost three fights, last faced Nassourdine Imavov in February 2025 and was knocked out in the second round. After this loss, Adesanya took a break from competing to support his teammates who had fights coming up.
The former two-time UFC middleweight champion has now made it clear that he is no longer interested in chasing titles. ‘The Last Stylebender’ wants exciting matchups now. He wants to fight freely and is enjoying this last phase of his career without any pressure that comes with titles and championships.
Israel Adesanya talks retirement: “I see the finish line”
Recently, Israel Adesanya added in a YouTube video on his channel while talking about his retirement that he may have ten or even fewer fights left in him.
He plans to compete twice this year and will fight next year as well. Yet he starts to think about retirement. ‘The Last Stylebender’ said:
“I know it’s less than 10. It can’t be over 10. So if I fight now, I might fight again by the end of the year. That’s two fights. If I do two fights a year, I can still fight next year. 2028 will be like that, I don’t know yet. I can’t look past 2027. I don’t know. I’m not thinking that far ahead right now. I’ll just look at it… I just know I’m on the I can see the finish line in the distance, but now it’s closer. But why should I know at what pace I’ll get there?’
Watch Israel Adesanya’s comments below (30:28):
In the same video, he also added that once he retires, there will be no return as he has no intention of being like the fighters who say goodbye to the game, only to return later.
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