Adesanya celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Courtesy of Facebook/UFC
Israel adesanya He's not thinking about hanging up his gloves even though he's going through the worst phase of his career. Coming off four consecutive defeats, the Nigerian hasn't known what it's like to win since his victory over... Alex Poatán in 2023, a scenario that fuels questions among fans and experts about a possible retirement.
In an interview with Demetrious Johnson, Israel adesanya He emphasized that, despite the negative streak, he still considers himself to be at a level above most athletes entering the sport and rejected the idea of becoming complacent with what he has already achieved.
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“Even if we suffer a defeat, as I said, four in a row in my case, no matter what happens, the value may have dropped, but we are still above most people who haven’t even entered this game. That’s something I don’t want to rely on. Because I’m not going to be the type to say, ‘Well, I did what I had to do. Now I can lose.’ No, fuck that,” he said. Israel adesanya.
The former champion also stated that ego and self-confidence remain key factors in his career and that he doesn't want his MMA story to end under the weight of his current phase. For him, there are still chapters to be written before considering the end of his career.
“Furthermore, my ego is very much tied to this. I know what I’m still capable of. For me, I don’t want this to be the ending of my story, because I feel that, yes, I participated in this, but this is not how I want to end this chapter of my life,” concluded the Nigerian.
Israel Adesanya hasn't won since facing Alex Poatan at UFC 287.
Alex Poatán e Israel adesanya facing each other in the octagon 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 in... 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 victory Regarding Poatan, Adesanya did not win again. The former champion competed in three more matches and was ultimately defeated by... Sean Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov e 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 👊
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- UFC (@ufc) March 29, 2026
NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE 🫡
joe pyfer gets the biggest win of his career tonight with some GNP!
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- UFC (@ufc) March 29, 2026
Read More about: Alex Poata, Dricus Du Plessis, Israel adesanya, joe pyfer, Nassourdine Imavov, Sean Strickland, UFC
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