Adesanya hints at UFC retirement

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has shed light on his retirement plans, acknowledging that his illustrious fighting career may soon be coming to an end.

‘The Last Stylebender,’ now 35, last competed at UFC 305 in August, where he suffered a fourth-round submission loss to South African middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.

The bout marked Adesanya’s first since losing his title in a shock decision defeat to Sean Strickland a year earlier.

Speaking on the FLAGRANT Podcast, Adesanya reflected on his achievements in the sport and hinted at a possible timeline for his retirement. “I’ve said this already, with what I’ve already done in this game, a lot of people don’t even get to the belt, get to the UFC,” he stated.
“I’ve done it twice. Still the only two-time UFC middleweight champion.”
Adesanya admitted he remains unbooked for a return to the Octagon but has been linked to a potential clash with Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia next year. While he still has ambitions to achieve more in the sport, he is also realistic about the toll it takes.

“You’ve got to break up with fighting before fighting breaks up with you,” Adesanya explained.
“When will I? I don’t know… I’m 35 now. I know I’m over the halfway point and I’m definitely a few years away, maybe three years away. But who knows? I know I don’t want to be fighting at 40.”

Despite the uncertainty, Adesanya remains proud of his journey, having captured the middleweight belt twice—an accomplishment that cements his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.

“If what I’ve already done won’t make me happy, what will? I’m happy but I’m not content,” he said, hinting at a few more goals he wishes to achieve before stepping away from the cage.