Israel Adesanya Aims to End Losing Streak in Crucial UFC Middleweight Fight

MMA analyst says Adesanya's recent struggles could make him more dangerous against powerful striker Joe Pyfer.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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MMA analyst Din Thomas suggests that Israel Adesanya's current three-fight losing streak may actually enhance his threat level as he prepares to face Joe Pyfer in a crucial UFC middleweight matchup. Despite recent setbacks, Adesanya's experience and skill set still position him as a dangerous challenger capable of unsettling anyone ranked in the UFC's top 15.

Why it matters

This next fight represents a critical moment for Israel Adesanya as he endeavors to end his losing streak and reassert himself as a top contender in the UFC middleweight division. Facing the powerful Joe Pyfer will test Adesanya's resolve and skill under pressure, and how he performs could either restore his momentum or further complicate his career trajectory.

The details

Reflecting on Adesanya's upcoming fight, Din Thomas expressed surprise that the UFC paired him with Pyfer without a more gradual buildup, noting he expected Adesanya to face someone like Brunno Ferreira or Marvin Vettori first. However, Thomas believes the UFC has faith in Adesanya and is telling him to 'get out there and do work or get to the back of the line.' Thomas emphasized that despite recent setbacks, Adesanya remains 'The Stylebender' and may be even more dangerous now, recalling how he targeted and knocked out Alex Pereira when that was his main goal.

  • Adesanya is set to face Joe Pyfer in his next UFC middleweight fight.

The players

Israel Adesanya

A former UFC middleweight champion with an impressive track record at 185 pounds, currently on a three-fight losing streak and looking to reassert himself as a top contender.

Joe Pyfer

A powerful striker in the UFC middleweight roster, set to face Adesanya in a crucial matchup.

Din Thomas

An MMA analyst who provided insights on Adesanya's upcoming fight and the potential impact of his recent losing streak.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't expect that so soon (Pyfer vs Adesanya),'”

— Din Thomas, MMA Analyst

“I was thinking they would probably have him against like Brunno Ferreira, or the best I thought maybe they would give him is Marvin Vettori or somebody, but not Izzy. I didn't expect Izzy. But that just means that they have faith in him and telling him either get out there and do work or get to the back of the line.'”

— Din Thomas, MMA Analyst

“I think that he might even be more dangerous now knowing that he can't lose this one, and he has to prove that to himself,'”

— Din Thomas, MMA Analyst

“We know how dangerous he is when he sets his mind to something, that he wanted to beat Alex Pereira.'”

— Din Thomas, MMA Analyst

“That was his main goal in life at one point, and what did he do? He knocked Alex Pereira out. So, I know how dangerous Izzy is so it's a fun challenge for me to try to craft together a game plan, and to instill that and to give my fighter the confidence to go out and use it.'”

— Din Thomas, MMA Analyst

The takeaway

This fight against Joe Pyfer represents a critical moment for Israel Adesanya as he looks to end his losing streak and reassert himself as a top contender in the UFC middleweight division. Despite his recent setbacks, Adesanya's experience and skill set still make him a dangerous challenger, and his determination to prove himself could make him an even more formidable opponent.