From 2019 to 2022, the UFC Middleweight Championship was ruled by one and only fighter, Israel Adesanya. Several fighters came and challenged him, but no one could stand tall against him. He was a different breed of fighter and had five successful title defenses.
Everything was going well until he lost his championship to Alex Pereira during the UFC 281 event, and after getting his title back in the UFC 287 event, he again lost his title to Sean Strickland during the UFC 293 event. A few weeks later, he announced that he was taking a break from UFC and would be joining back in 2027.
Looking at what Adesanya said, the South African fighter, Dricus du Plessis, reacted by saying,
“If Israel Adesanya comes back in 2017, he’s going to get hurt.”
He also stated that taking a break from the UFC is good, but a break lasting more than a year would hurt him in the future.
To be honest, du Plessis is completely right. Adesanya is currently 34 years old, and if he joins the ring in 2027, he will be 38 years old, which doesn’t indicate good signs. Adesanya will be a lot more energetic and fresher now, compared to a 38-year-old version of himself.
But we can’t predict everything. Even a 38-year-old Adesanya can look hungrier and more competitive compared to the new-age fighter. Whether he sticks to his plan or makes some changes to it, only time will let us know. Till then, let’s take a look at his UFC records and achievements.
Israel Adesanya UFC Record and Achievements
UFC Record
- Total fights: 16
- Wins: 13
- Longest winning streak: 9 wins
- Losses: 3
- TKO wins: 5
- Submission wins: Nil
- Decision wins: 8
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Achievements
- 2x UFC Middleweight Champion
- 5 successful title defenses
- The first-ever two-time UFC middleweight champion
- 6x Performance of the Night
- 2x Fight of the Night
- Joint-Most Knockdown Wins in UFC Middleweight Division History
Also Read: “Alex Pereira is one of the scariest fighters in the UFC,” says Dana White
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