Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has opened up about his retirement plans, acknowledging that his distinguished fighting career may soon be nearing its conclusion.
Now 35, Adesanya’s last appearance in the Octagon came at UFC 305 in August, where he suffered a fourth-round submission loss to South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis. The fight marked his return after losing his title in a stunning decision defeat to Sean Strickland the previous year.
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In a recent appearance on the FLAGRANT Podcast, Adesanya reflected on his career achievements and suggested a possible timeline for retirement. “I’ve said this before, with what I’ve already done in this game, a lot of people don’t even make it to the belt or the UFC,” he said.
Although unbooked for a return, Adesanya has been rumoured to face Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia next year. While he still has goals he hopes to achieve, he is also realistic about the physical and mental toll of the sport.
“You’ve got to break up with fighting before fighting breaks up with you,” Adesanya shared.
“When will I? I don’t know… I’m 35 now. I know I’m over the halfway point and I’m definitely a few years away, maybe three years away. But who knows? I know I don’t want to be fighting at 40.”
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Despite the uncertainty, Adesanya remains proud of his journey, having captured the middleweight belt twice—an accomplishment that cements his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.
“If what I’ve already done won’t make me happy, what will? I’m happy but I’m not content,” he said, hinting at a few more goals he wishes to achieve before stepping away from the cage.
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