Adesanya promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
MMA star Israel Adesanya is finally back in the octagon. Experiencing the worst moment of his career, the Nigerian will face Joe Pyfer in the main event of UFC Seattle , scheduled for March 28th. The long-awaited return of the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) was announced by Dana White, the company's president, through his social media.
Thus, 'The Last Stylebender' ends his period away from fighting. The renowned striker was last seen in action in February 2025, in a knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov . Besides the Frenchman, Adesanya was also submitted by Dricus du Plessos and dominated by Sean Strickland . Currently, the former champion is ranked sixth in the division.
On the other hand, Pyfer arrives in top form to contest the biggest fight of his career. While the veteran lost three fights in a row, the American, who likes to provoke and often makes controversial statements, has racked up three consecutive victories. On a high in the UFC, the 'bad boy' has risen to the elite of the division, currently ranked number 15.
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In the second most important fight of the event, Alexa Grasso , former flyweight champion (up to 57 kg), will face the promising Maycee Barber . Ranked fourth in the category, the Mexican is on a winless streak. The athlete lost her last two fights and drew the previous one. Meanwhile, the American is at her peak. 'The Future' has won seven consecutive fights, consolidating her fifth-place ranking.
The interesting thing is that this important fight between the professionals is a rematch. In their first encounter, held in 2021, Grasso defeated Barber by unanimous decision.
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