Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will headline one of many closing playing cards of 2026 in opposition to a fellow fan favourite.
Israel Adesanya’s final UFC victory got here in opposition to former two-division champion Alex Pereira of their UFC 287 rematch. Since then, Adesanya has misplaced 4 fights in a row, together with latest TKO defeats to Nassourdine Imavov and Joe Pyfer.
After his latest loss to Pyfer at UFC Seattle, Adesanya appeared non-committal on a Blended Martial Arts return. However after a latest departure from Metropolis Kickboxing, Adesanya is searching for a contemporary begin on this newest chapter of his profession.
It was initially anticipated that Adesanya wouldn’t return to the Octagon till 2027. However the former UFC middleweight champion will return to battle forward of schedule in opposition to one of many division’s hottest contenders.
Israel Adesanya appears to snap four-fight skid at UFC Saudi Arabia
As reported by MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, Adesanya will face Sharabutdin Magomedov (17-1-0) within the UFC Saudi Arabia predominant occasion on December fifth. As of this writing, the UFC hasn’t formally introduced the reserving.
If the battle is confirmed, Adesanya will face one other high striker in Magomedov, who’s contemporary off back-to-back wins over Michel Pereira and Marc-Andre Barriault. The Muay Thai specialist has knocked out Antonio Trocoli and Armen Petrosyan throughout his UFC tenure.
Adesanya’s ongoing four-fight dropping streak is the primary skid of his skilled MMA profession. Earlier than his present skid, Adesanya suffered losses to Jan Blachowicz and Pereira.
Adesanya’s middleweight return comes amidst uncertainty atop the division. UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has threatened to depart the UFC to pursue a boxing match with Jake Paul.
The total UFC Saudi Arabia card is anticipated to be finalized within the coming weeks. It will mark Magomedov’s first UFC predominant occasion reserving.
What’s your prediction for Israel Adesanya vs. Sharabutdin Magomedov? Share your ideas within the feedback!
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