SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 27: Israel Adesanya of Nigeria looks on backstage during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-ins at Climate Pledge Arena on March 27, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC)
Has “The Last Stylebender” rediscovered his fighting fire?
Former two-time Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight champion, Israel Adesanyahas not competed since suffering a second round knockout loss Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle earlier this year (watch the highlights).
And after a seven-month self-imposed hiatus, Adesanya is officially ready to go again. Indeed, during a recent performance Demetrius Johnson podcast, the former champion revealed that he has signed a contract for his next fight.
“We just signed the contract yesterday,” Adesanya said. “Finally. Both—you know, you’ve got the public purse and the other one.
“All I’m saying is there’s blood in the sand,” Adesanya continued. “It’s easy to talk because I’ve lost my last four, but it’s okay. There’s blood in the sand and it’s not me.”
Adesanya is related to a a potential main event showdown against Shara Magomedov UFC in Saudi Arabia on December 6, 2026. MMAmania.com can confirm that this is a bout the UFC is looking to book, although uncertainty continues to surround the event due to the hazardous climate of the area.
UFC CEO, Dana Whitehowever, insists the promotion still intends to move forward with the card.
If the fight goes as planned, Adesanya believes fans will see a rejuvenated version of the former champion. According to “The Last Stylebender”, competing was no longer enjoyable during his recent decline, but that feeling has finally changed.
“I’ve missed this shit,” Adesanya said. “The last three years just haven’t been fun. I’ve been lost, so I’ve been found again. I just can’t wait to present everything. Yeah, you see. You know me, I speak from the heart and I don’t want it to get bigger. I’m just showing you.”
The upcoming bout would also mark Adesanya’s first UFC fight without longtime team City Kickboxing in his corneradding another major wrinkle to his attempt to revive his career.
Adesanya is riding the first four-fight losing streak of his illustrious career and hasn’t won since a knockout Alex Pereira In the April 2023 rematch (watch the highlights).
At this stage, a change of camp and a rediscovery of his motivation may be just what Adesanya needs – or it may be too late to reverse a three-year slump.
Either way, “The Last Stylebender” believes he has finally found his way again.