Adesanya Opens Up On UFC Retirement Plans

Nigerian-born former UFC middleweight champion, UFC middleweight star, Israel Adesanya has provided an update on his retirement plans, saying that he is nearing the end of his career.

Adesanya suffered a fourth-round submission defeat to South African middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis in August.

It was the first time Nigerian-New Zealander Adesanya was submitted in his professional MMA career, which stands at 24 wins and four losses.

He lost two successful bouts after losing his title to Sean Strickland via decision in 2023.

The 35-year-old has now shed light on his plans to call it a day after an illustrious career.

Adesanya said: “I’ve said this already, with what I’ve already done in this game, a lot of people don’t even get to the belt, get to the UFC.

“I’ve done it twice. Still the only two-time UFC middleweight champion.

“You’ve got to break up with fighting before fighting breaks up with you.

“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.

“If what I’ve already done won’t make me happy, what will? I’m happy but I’m not content.”

Adesanya’s last victory was in April 2023 against Alex Pereira, which he won via knockout in the second round.

Adesanya dropped out of the UFC pound-for-pound rankings after losing by submission to South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis in August.

He missed out on the rankings for the first time in five years following his poor performances in his recent bouts, losing three out of his last four.