UFC Hall of Famer Sees Parallels Between Adesanya's Decline and Silva's Late Career

Michael Bisping believes Israel Adesanya's recent losing skid could mirror Anderson Silva's steep fall from grace.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:05pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring rapid, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the raw energy and intensity of two MMA fighters engaged in combat, their identities obscured in the chaotic, dissolving composition.As two of the greatest middleweight champions in UFC history face a steep decline, their epic battles are memorialized in a vibrant, expressionist painting.Seattle Today

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya's recent string of losses, including a TKO defeat at UFC Seattle, has drawn comparisons to the late-career decline of MMA legend Anderson Silva, according to UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping. Bisping expressed concern that Adesanya may be headed down a similar path of repeated losses against top contenders, wishing the fighter had retired after the Seattle defeat to avoid tarnishing his legacy like Silva.

Why it matters

Adesanya and Silva are considered two of the greatest middleweight champions in UFC history, and their parallel falls from the top of the division would be a significant changing of the guard in the sport. Adesanya's continued struggles raise questions about whether he can regain his championship form or if he is destined for a Silva-esque decline.

The details

At UFC Seattle, Adesanya lost to rising contender Joe Pyfer by second-round TKO, continuing a four-fight losing skid for the former champion. Despite an encouraging start, Adesanya was overwhelmed by Pyfer's striking and grappling in the later rounds. Bisping, who defeated Silva late in the legend's career, believes Adesanya may be headed for a similar fate, noting the 'parallels' between the two fighters' declines.

  • Adesanya defeated Anderson Silva by unanimous decision at UFC 234 in 2019.
  • Adesanya lost to Joe Pyfer by TKO in the main event of UFC Seattle on March 25, 2026.

The players

Israel Adesanya

A former UFC middleweight champion who is considered one of the greatest fighters in the division's history, but has recently suffered a string of losses that have drawn comparisons to the late-career decline of Anderson Silva.

Anderson Silva

Widely regarded as the greatest UFC middleweight champion of all time, Silva experienced a steep fall from grace late in his career, losing six consecutive fights before retiring.

Michael Bisping

A UFC Hall of Famer who defeated Anderson Silva late in the legend's career, and now sees parallels between Silva's decline and the recent struggles of Israel Adesanya.

Joe Pyfer

The rising middleweight contender who defeated Israel Adesanya by TKO in the main event of UFC Seattle.

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What they’re saying

“We never thought we'd be here, but that's exactly where we are.”

— Michael Bisping, UFC Hall of Famer

“Fair play to the guy [for not retiring]. He's getting older, slowing down, and sometimes fighters need protection from themselves. Is he going to continue fighting the best guys and losing? Again and again? It takes balls to keep getting back in there and chasing that thrill and trying to get that victory...there's parallels between Israel Adesanya and what happened with Anderson Silva.”

— Michael Bisping, UFC Hall of Famer

What’s next

Adesanya will need to carefully consider his next move after the UFC Seattle loss, as a continued losing skid could permanently tarnish his legacy in the sport. The UFC may also need to evaluate whether to protect Adesanya from further damage by matching him against less dangerous opponents as he enters the later stages of his career.

The takeaway

Israel Adesanya's recent struggles are a sobering reminder that even the greatest fighters can experience a steep decline, as seen with the late-career fall of MMA legend Anderson Silva. Adesanya's legacy is already secure, but he must now decide whether to continue chasing glory or retire on his own terms to avoid the same fate as Silva.