Summary
Adesanya promotes UFC event. Photo: Press release/Facebook/UFC
The fallout from the loss to Joe Pyfer last Saturday (28) during UFC Seattle continues to haunt Israel Adesanya . In an interview with 'The Ariel Helwani Show' last Tuesday (31), Demetrious Johnson publicly expressed his opinion regarding the future of the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) in MMA. The defeat against the American caused 'The Last Stylebender' to suffer four consecutive unsuccessful fights and caused him to plummet in the category rankings .
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According to the former fighter, Adesanya has already experienced great moments throughout his years dedicated to MMA and therefore should welcome a new chapter in his life. He also stressed that he has no interest in returning to competition anytime soon.
“Man, you don’t need to fight, right? I’d retire if I were him. I think he’s already done everything—there’s nothing left for him to do. The man has been in a constant rush, in a grueling struggle. I think he deserves to relax, enjoy life, and find something different. People say, ‘Man, you should come fight in Real American Freestyle!’ Why? This (business) thing is much more important than competing. This is very, very difficult, and that’s what motivates me,” he stated.
Demetrious Johnson urges Israel Adesanya to retire and explains why he's done with competing 😳
"Dog, you don't need to f***ing fight, right? I would [retire] if I was him. I think he's done everything—there's nothing else for him to do."
“The man's been on a tear, on a grind.… pic.twitter.com/rKkLic4Z9N
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 31, 2026
At the same event where Adesanya was knocked out, Johnson was honored by the company with the announcement of his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame as part of the Modern Wing. The ceremony will take place in July and will mark the beginning of International Fight Week.
Adesanya ruled out retirement.
Adesanya celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
After the tough defeat, many fans speculated that the Nigerian would choose to leave his gloves in the center of the octagon and end his career. However, he dismissed that possibility in an in-cage interview with Daniel Cormier . Without showing any sadness, Adesanya made it clear that he will return and does not intend to abandon the profession for the time being.
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