Phoenix of MMA! After freezing Poatan, Adesanya promises an all-or-nothing show at UFC Seattle

Adesanya promotes UFC event. Photo: Press release/Facebook/UFC

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Despite being an MMA star, Israel Adesanya finds himself in an awkward position at UFC Seattle . At the event taking place this Saturday (28), the former dominant middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) headlines against the dangerous Joe Pyfer , but he last competed in February 2025 and is experiencing the worst moment of his career, with three consecutive losses. Therefore, the show takes on a different value, as it represents a kind of all or nothing for the 36-year-old Nigerian.

Due to his advanced age for competition and a weakened chin, Adesanya has been struggling in fights, being shaken, suffering knockdowns and even knockouts. With this history, in addition to the American's strength, power, and size, many are concerned about what might happen to the veteran in the main event of UFC Seattle . So much so that, should the Nigerian lose for the fourth consecutive time, fans and MMA professionals speculate that he might announce his retirement right there in the octagon.

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Interestingly, despite the delicate moment in his career, Adesanya is classified by Stake , the official UFC sponsor in Brazil, as the favorite to beat Pyfer. Moreover, this isn't the first time the MMA icon has been questioned. In 2021, after losing his MMA undefeated record to Jan Blachowicz while attempting to become a double champion in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg), the Nigerian returned to middleweight and was put to the test against Marvin Vettori . Without any trouble, the renowned striker defeated the Italian for the second time.

The second time was even more emblematic. In 2022, Adesanya was winning the superfight against Alex Poatan , but couldn't withstand his rival's power and ended up being knocked out in the fifth round, losing the middleweight belt. With three losses to the Brazilian, two in kickboxing and one in MMA, the athlete was considered by many to be a scapegoat for an immediate rematch, labeled his eternal rival and seen as lackluster. However, the Nigerian shocked the world and achieved his first victory over his nemesis via a brutal knockout in the second round. Now, the veteran aims to embody the phoenix and rise from the ashes once again.

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And the former champion has no shortage of confidence to turn things around in MMA. When discussing the fight against Pyfer, the Nigerian ignored his long losing streak and not only warned that he would fight freely, but also promised to put on a show. To overcome the formidable opponent, 'Izzy's' strategy is clear. The veteran will have to rely on constant movement to tire the American, a high volume of strikes to hurt him, and avoid being hit as much as possible. In other times, such a duel wouldn't be so problematic for Adesanya, but today, the worst could happen. In any case, the optimistic athlete embraced the challenge and guaranteed that he is not finished, but rather in the elite.

Stake Brasil, official sponsor of the UFC.

Stake is the official sponsor of the UFC in Brazil, as well as names like Alex Poatan , Alexandre Pantoja , and Israel Adesanya . The betting platform is fully licensed in Brazil and offers complete security for you to place your bets. Click here to register.

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