TLDR
- Israel Adesanya says he will fight no more than 10 times before retiring from MMA
- The former two-time UFC middleweight champion estimates he will compete for approximately two more years, not past 2027
- Adesanya returns March 28 against Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle after over a year away
- He is currently on a three-fight losing streak but remains committed to his retirement timeline
- Adesanya has already begun preparing for life after fighting, including launching a DJ career in late 2025
Sources: Bloody Elbow | Fight Sports | Bloody Elbow
Israel Adesanya has put a number on his remaining time in mixed martial arts. The former two-time UFC middleweight champion announced he will fight no more than 10 times before retiring from the sport.
Adesanya is scheduled to return to the Octagon on March 28 against Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle. The fight marks his comeback after more than a year away from competition.
The 35-year-old fighter is currently on a three-fight losing streak. Despite the recent setbacks, he has a clear vision for how much longer he plans to compete.
Two Years Left at Most
Adesanya revealed he envisions competing for approximately two more years. He said he cannot see himself fighting past 2027.
The Nigerian-born New Zealand fighter has already begun planning for life after MMA. He launched a DJ career in late 2025 as part of his preparation for retirement.
Adesanya’s return to the UFC has been delayed by circumstances beyond his control. He was originally scheduled to fight Reinier de Ridder on short notice in October 2025.
A gym injury prevented him from taking that opportunity. The fight would have marked his comeback after an extended period of inactivity.
Instead, Adesanya will now face Joe Pyfer in what will be his first fight in over a year. The bout will take place at UFC Fight Night 271 in Seattle.
Planning Life After Fighting
Retirement has become a regular topic on Adesanya’s mind as he approaches the end of his career. He has been open about wanting to transition out of the sport while he still has other interests to pursue.
His DJ career represents one of several projects he has started outside of fighting. These ventures give him a foundation to build on once he steps away from the Octagon.
Adesanya held the UFC middleweight championship on two separate occasions during his career. He became one of the most popular fighters in the promotion during his reign as champion.
His recent losing streak has not changed his long-term plans. He remains committed to competing for roughly two more years regardless of his results.
The 10-fight limit represents a maximum number rather than a guaranteed total. Adesanya could retire with fewer fights if circumstances change or if he decides to step away earlier.
His fight against Pyfer will be the first step in what he sees as the final chapter of his MMA career. The matchup gives him a chance to snap his losing streak and build momentum heading into his final years as a professional fighter.
Adesanya’s comments mark the first time he has given specific numbers about his retirement timeline. Previously, he had discussed stepping away from the sport but had not provided concrete details about when that might happen.
The former champion will enter the cage in Seattle knowing that every fight from here on out brings him closer to the end of his fighting days.
