Israel Adesanya has confirmed he has no intention of retiring from mixed martial arts, despite a challenging recent stretch in his professional career. The former two-time UFC middleweight champion, who last fought at UFC 305 in August 2024, remains committed to competing in the octagon, citing his enduring drive and competitive ego as the primary motivators to continue his pursuit of championship gold.
Current Status of Israel Adesanya’s Career
Israel Adesanya, 35, currently holds a professional MMA record of 24-4. His most recent appearance in the cage occurred on August 18, 2024, at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, where he suffered a fourth-round submission loss to the reigning middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis. This bout marked his return after a hiatus following his loss of the title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September 2023.
Contrary to speculative reports regarding his future, Adesanya has maintained a consistent stance on his longevity. In an interview with former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson on the MightyCast YouTube channel, the Nigerian-New Zealand fighter emphasized that his story is not yet finished. He noted that while his recent results have not met his own high standards, his desire to perform at an elite level remains intact.
The Path Forward for the "Last Stylebender"
Adesanya’s career trajectory since 2022 has been defined by high-profile rivalries. His tenure as the dominant middleweight king was interrupted by Alex Pereira at UFC 281 in November 2022, a defeat he famously avenged with a knockout victory at UFC 287 in April 2023.
When addressing his current mindset, Adesanya acknowledged the "equity" he has built throughout his UFC career, which began in 2017. He expressed that he is not finished with the sport, stating: "I don’t want this to be the writing of my story… this is not how I want to conclude this chapter of my life."
Comparison of Recent Title Bouts
| Event | Opponent | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 281 | Alex Pereira | Loss (TKO) |
| UFC 287 | Alex Pereira | Win (KO) |
| UFC 293 | Sean Strickland | Loss (Decision) |
| UFC 305 | Dricus du Plessis | Loss (Submission) |
Why the Middleweight Division Remains Open
The middleweight division remains highly volatile, which provides a pathway for veterans like Adesanya to climb back into contention. Since the conclusion of UFC 305, the landscape at 185 pounds has continued to shift, with several top contenders vying for position.
Adesanya’s approach to his future involves focusing on his internal drive rather than external criticism. He explicitly stated that his ego is "very tied into this," reinforcing his belief that he possesses the technical ability to compete with any fighter in the division. While no official date or opponent has been set for his next appearance, UFC President Dana White has frequently spoken about Adesanya’s status as one of the sport’s biggest draws, ensuring that his return will be a significant event whenever it occurs.