Israel Adesanya (pictured) after defending his middleweight title at UFC 271. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil
Israel Adesanya is looking to get back to his best form in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and, to do so, he has found inspiration in an old acquaintance: himself. At a delicate moment in his career, the Nigerian faces Joe Pyfer in the main event of UFC Seattle , this Saturday (28), and is betting on a return to his best versions to get back on the winning track 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 kicks aren’t landing as well as they used to. Everyone already knows when he’s coming, and the coaches warn them from outside the cage,” said Israel Adesanya .
Furthermore, he revealed that he revisited old fights, especially from his time in China, to recover moves that were no longer part of his repertoire. According to Israel Adesanya , these 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 Poatan and Israel Adesanya face off in the octagon at UFC 287 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)
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 at 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 his victory over Poatan, Adesanya has not won again. The former champion has fought three more times and was ultimately defeated by Sean Strickland , Dricus Du Plessis , and Nassourdine Imavov , losing by unanimous decision, submission, and knockout, respectively.
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