Without a win in years, Israel Adesanya envisions retirement from MMA: 'I see the finish line'

Adesanya poses for a fashion campaign. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/Stylebender

Two-time UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), Israel adesanya He is not having a good time in his professional life. At 36 years old, the Nigerian has not known what it is like to win since 2023 and has suffered three consecutive defeats, two of which were by stoppage. Amid the bad phase, the fighter acknowledged that the end of his MMA career may be near in a video published on his YouTube channel this Monday (9).

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When asked about the next steps in his career, the former champion avoided mentioning a specific number of fights he has left, but acknowledged having difficulty envisioning his future more than a year ahead. It's worth remembering that he faces the American... joe pyfer at the end of March.

“I know it’s less than ten (fights). It can’t be more than ten. I can’t see beyond 2027. I’m not thinking that far ahead at the moment, but I take a quick look. I just know I’m in the final stretch. I can see the finish line. I’ve been seeing the finish line for a while, but now it’s closer,” the fighter confessed.

Israel adesanya reflects on retirement and says the end of his UFC run is now clearly in sight

“I know it's less than 10. It can't be past 10. I can't see past 2027. I don't think that far ahead at the moment, but I do glance at it. I just know I'm on the tail end. I can see the… pic.twitter.com/6tyEFBxEoi

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 9, 2026

With nearly 30 fights in MMA alone, Adesanya's complete career in combat sports already totals more than 100 appearances. Beyond the octagon, he has built an extensive resume in... kickboxingboxing, muay thai and sanda.

Adesanya's last victory was against Poatan.

Alex Poatán erased after knockout Israel adesanya. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The Nigerian's terrible run of form came right after one of the most important victories of his entire combat sports career. After being defeated by his arch-rival Alex Poatán No. UFC 281 After losing the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg), he came back strong in the rematch and knocked out the Brazilian in the second round. At the time, the athlete said he wished all the fans present the opportunity to one day feel the level of happiness he was experiencing.

Since then, he has lost the crown to Sean Strickland, was completed by Dricus Du Plessis in the fourth round and knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov, the latter in February of last year.