Old Adesanya? Former champion draws inspiration from his glory days to return to winning ways at UFC Seattle.

Israel adesanya (photo) after defending the middleweight belt in UFC 271. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil

Israel adesanya He's looking to get back on track in the UFC and, to do so, he's found inspiration in an old acquaintance: himself. At a delicate moment in his career, the Nigerian faces... joe pyfer in the main fight of UFC Seattle, this Saturday (28), and bets on a rescue of his best versions to return to the path of victories in the organization.

In an interview with UFC News, the former champion highlighted that he has been focusing his training on grappling, anticipating a takedown strategy from his opponent. Adesanya also acknowledged the need to vary his striking game more, especially given his recent difficulty in landing kicks, which have become predictable for his rivals.

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“To be honest, I’m focused on grappling because I know he’s going to try takedowns. They always try. They think that’s the easiest way against me. So I know he’s going to try, and I’m going to do my job. But I also need to vary my attacks because my kick isn’t landing as well as it used to. Everyone already knows when he’s coming, and the coaches warn him from outside the cage,” he said. Israel adesanya

Furthermore, he revealed that he revisited old fights, especially from the period when he competed in China, to recover movements that were no longer part of his repertoire. According to Israel adesanyaThese changes are part of an adjustment and evolution process that he hopes to demonstrate this weekend.

“I adjusted my game, made changes, revised old moves. I watched old fights of mine, from my time in China, and thought: 'Wow, I don't do that anymore. Why am I not using that move?' I'm bringing some things back. So I can't wait to show everything this weekend,” concluded the Nigerian.

Israel Adesanya hasn't won since facing Alex Poatan at UFC 287.

Alex Poatán e Israel adesanya facing each other in the octagon UFC 287 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

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After being defeated by Poatan twice in kickboxing and once for the UFC middleweight title (up to 83,9kg), Adesanya had another opportunity against the Brazilian in... UFC 287, held in April 2023 in Miami. This time, however, the outcome was different.

After struggling with low kicks in the first round and pressure at the start of the second, the Nigerian surprised everyone by landing a precise counter-punch that knocked out his rival, regaining the division title against his former nemesis.

However, since victory Regarding Poatan, Adesanya did not win again. The former champion competed in three more matches and was ultimately defeated by... Sean Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis e Nassourdine Imavov, being defeated by unanimous decision, submission, and knockout, respectively.