
Adesanya promotes UFC event. Photo: Press release/Facebook/UFC
Despite being an MMA star, Israel adesanya finds itself in an unfortunate position in UFC Seattle. In the event that takes place this Saturday (28), the former dominant middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) will fight in the main event against the dangerous joe pyferHowever, 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 situation for the 36-year-old Nigerian.
Due to his advanced age for competition and a weakened chin, Adesanya has struggled 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 [event name]. UFC SeattleSo much so that, if the Nigerian loses for the fourth consecutive time, fans and MMA professionals speculate that he might announce his retirement right there in the octagon.
See too
Interestingly, despite the delicate moment in his career, Adesanya is ranked by Stake[Name of sponsor], official sponsor of the UFC in Brazil, is considered the favorite to beat Pyfer. In fact, this isn't the first time the MMA icon has faced criticism. In 2021, after losing his undefeated MMA record to... Jan BlachowiczIn his attempt to become a double champion in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg), the Nigerian returned to the middleweight division and was put to the test against... Marvin vettoriWithout any scares, the renowned striker got past the Italian for the second time.
The second time was even more symbolic. In 2022, Adesanya was winning the super fight against Alex PoatánHowever, he 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 an eternal underdog 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.
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.
A Stake is the official sponsor of the UFC in Brazil, in addition to names such as Alex Poatán, Alexandre pantoja e Israel adesanyaThe betting platform is fully licensed in Brazil and offers complete security for you to place your bets. Click here To complete your registration.
UFC Seattle Fact Sheet
Date: March 28, 2026
Time: From 18pm (Brasília time)
Location: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, United States
How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE in real time, Paramount+ (entire card) on TV and internet.
MAIN CARD (21pm Brasília time)
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Israel adesanya x joe pyfer
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Alexa grasso x Maycee barber
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Michael chiesa x Niko Price
Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): julian erosa Lerryan Douglas
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Mansur Abdul-Malik x Yousri Belgaroui
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): terrance mckinney x kyle nelson
PRELIMINARY CARD (18pm Brasília time)
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Ignatius Bahamondes x Tofiq Musayev
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Chase Hooper Lance Gibson Jr.
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Marcin tybura x Tyrell Fortune
Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Casey O'Neill x Gabriella Fernandes
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Navajo Stirling x Bruno Lopes
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Ricky Simon Adrian Yañez
Straw weight (up to 52,2 kg): Alexia Thainara x Bruna Brazil
Read More about: adesanya, Adesanya vs Pyfer, Adesanya vs. Pyfer, Israel adesanya, Israel Adesanya vs Joe Pyfer, Israel Adesanya vs. Joe Pyfer, joe pyfer, MMA, Pyfer, UFC, UFC Seattle



You need login To comment.