UFC Star Adesanya Reveals Retirement Timeline Ahead of Seattle Fight

Former champion signals fewer than 10 fights left as he prepares to face Joe Pyfer in middleweight matchup.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Israel Adesanya, one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts, has publicly shared a sobering outlook on his career's remaining duration. As he prepares to face Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle next month, Adesanya discussed his retirement timetable, indicating he has fewer than 10 fights left before stepping away from the octagon.

Why it matters

Adesanya's openness about his retirement timeline is significant given his status as a former UFC middleweight champion and one of the sport's most prominent figures. His comments provide fans and analysts with a clearer view of his future trajectory as he attempts to reverse a recent three-fight losing streak and reclaim his position among the top contenders.

The details

In a YouTube video, Adesanya responded to a question about how many fights he has left, revealing uncertainty but stating it would be fewer than 10. He further elaborated that he can see 'the finish line' and is on the 'tail end' of his career, though he remains committed to competing for a few more years if possible.

  • Adesanya is set to face Joe Pyfer in a middleweight matchup at UFC Seattle next month.

The players

Israel Adesanya

A former UFC middleweight champion celebrated for his striking mastery, who is currently enduring a three-fight losing streak but remains a significant draw within the UFC.

Joe Pyfer

Adesanya's upcoming opponent in a middleweight matchup at UFC Seattle.

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What they’re saying

“Less than 10. Who knows? I know it's less than 10. It can't be more than 10. So if I fight now, I fight one more time towards the end of the year, maybe. That's two fights. If I do two fights a year, next year I can still fight. 2028 is going to be like, I don't know yet. I can't see past 2027.”

— Israel Adesanya (YouTube)

“I don't know. I don't think that far ahead at the moment. I do glance at it, and I just know I'm on the tail end. I can see the finish line. I've been seeing the finish line in the distance, but now it's closer.”

— Israel Adesanya (YouTube)

What’s next

Adesanya's next fight against Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle will be crucial as he attempts to reverse his recent losing streak and reclaim his position among the middleweight contenders.

The takeaway

Adesanya's acknowledgment that he is in the twilight of his fighting years carries substantial weight within the MMA world, and his outlined retirement timeline provides fans and analysts with a clearer view of his future trajectory as he navigates the final phase of his storied career.