Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has revealed that he could retire from mixed martial arts by 2027, signaling that the end of his decorated UFC career may be closer than fans expect.
The Nigerian-born New Zealand star, popularly known as “The Last Stylebender,” disclosed that he has fewer than 10 fights remaining and can already “see the finish line.”
“I Can See the Finish Line” – Adesanya Opens Up on Retirement Timeline
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 36-year-old former two-time UFC middleweight champion admitted that his career countdown has begun.
“I can see the finish line. I’ve been seeing the finish line in the distance, but now it’s closer,” Adesanya said.
The MMA superstar suggested a schedule of fighting twice a year, which could realistically bring his UFC journey to a close within the next two years.
“2028 is going to be like, I don’t know yet. I can’t see past 2027,” he added.
Adesanya Faces Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle Amid Three-Fight Losing Streak
Adesanya is set to return to the Octagon against rising contender Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle on March 28.
For the first time in his professional career, Adesanya enters the bout as the betting underdog, following a difficult run that has seen him suffer three consecutive defeats.
The former champion is coming off a knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov in Saudi Arabia in February 2024, a setback that forced him to reassess his recovery and long-term plans.
Injury Forced Cancellation of Reinier de Ridder Fight at UFC Vancouver
Adesanya also revealed he was deep in negotiations to fight former ONE Championship king Reinier de Ridder at UFC Vancouver in October 2025, but a gym injury derailed those plans.
“I was going to fight last year, but then I got injured in the gym, and then that opportunity got taken away,” he explained.
Although initially frustrated, Adesanya now considers the setback a blessing in disguise, as it allowed him to fully recover from previous injuries and the Imavov knockout loss.
Brendan Allen eventually stepped in to face De Ridder after Adesanya withdrew.
Why Adesanya Rejected a Boxing Switch After UFC
Despite being widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in MMA history, Adesanya has dismissed the idea of transitioning to professional boxing after retiring from the UFC.
The former champion emphasized that he prefers mixed martial arts because it allows him to use his complete arsenal of skills rather than limiting himself to striking alone.
Adesanya Criticises Current UFC Middleweight Division
Adesanya did not hold back in assessing the current state of the UFC middleweight division, describing it as “bland” compared to the excitement during his championship reign.
The Nigerian-born fighter holds the record for the second-longest winning streak in UFC middleweight history, behind only Anderson Silva. He believes the division lacks the star power and intensity that defined his era as champion.
Is 2027 the Final Curtain for The Last Stylebender?
With fewer than 10 fights remaining and a potential retirement timeline set for 2027, the upcoming clash against Joe Pyfer could mark the beginning of the final chapter in Adesanya’s storied career.
As the countdown continues, fans will be watching closely to see whether the former champion can reignite his dominance before calling time on one of the most memorable careers in UFC middleweight history.
