Seattle, USA – Israel Adesanya has dismissed speculation about retirement after suffering a fourth consecutive loss in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The former two-time middleweight champion was stopped in the second round by Joe Pyfer during a UFC Fight Night event in Seattle. The defeat extends a difficult run for Adesanya, who has now lost four fights in a row, following earlier setbacks against Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, and Nassourdine Imavov.
Okay News reports that despite the loss, the 36-year-old made it clear he has no plans to walk away from the sport. Speaking after the fight, Adesanya delivered a defiant message, insisting he will continue competing regardless of setbacks, emphasizing his resilience and determination to keep going.
The bout saw Adesanya start cautiously, landing leg kicks and showing defensive awareness before being caught by a series of heavy strikes, including a left hook and body shot. The referee stepped in after Pyfer overwhelmed him on the ground, marking the third straight time Adesanya has been stopped inside the distance.
In a show of respect, Pyfer praised Adesanya after the fight, describing him as one of the smartest and greatest middleweights in MMA history. Adesanya, meanwhile, acknowledged the challenge, noting that he expected Pyfer at his best and was satisfied to have tested himself again after over a year out of competition.
Despite the recent slump, Adesanya’s legacy as one of the division’s most dominant champions remains intact, even as questions continue about his future in the octagon.
