Israel Adesanya expresses pain after defeat and reinforces his comeback in the UFC: 'I promise you'

Israel Adesanya is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/UFC Europe

PUBLICITY:

Israel Adesanya is still feeling the effects of his most recent defeat, but he's not thinking about giving up. The Nigerian was in action at UFC Seattle , held last Saturday (28), and, despite winning the first round, ended up being knocked out by Joe Pyfer . With the result, the former champion reached his fourth consecutive defeat in the organization, a negative moment that, nevertheless, does not shake his determination to continue competing.

In a social media post, Adesanya acknowledged the impact of this rough patch, highlighted that the situation is even more difficult for him than for his fans, and reiterated his intention to bounce back, guaranteeing that he will recover and return to fighting at a high level.

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“I know it’s hard for my people to see me fall. I promise you it’s even harder for me. Regardless, we are reborn and we will rise again,” wrote Israel Adesanya alongside a bandaged heart emoji.

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)

PUBLICITY:

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 defeated by Sean Strickland , Dricus Du Plessis , Nassourdine Imavov , and Joe Pyfer , being defeated by unanimous decision, submission, knockout, and technical knockout, respectively.

Watch Joe Pyfer knock out Israel Adesanya at UFC.

JOE PYFER IS LANDING EARLY 👊

[ #UFCSeattle | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/hfyvIVpq8g

— UFC (@ufc) March 29, 2026

NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE 🫡

Joe Pyfer gets the biggest win of his career tonight with some GNP!

[ #UFCSeattle | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/PtHdZ00vei

— UFC (@ufc) March 29, 2026

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