Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is set to make his highly anticipated return to mixed martial arts competition against Joe Pyfer on March 28th at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. This marks Adesanya’s first appearance since suffering a knockout defeat against Nassourdine Imavov in February 2025, which extended his losing streak to three consecutive bouts.
The Nigerian-born New Zealand fighter, who once dominated the middleweight division with five successful title defenses between 2020 and 2022, now faces critical questions about his fighting future. At 36 years old, Adesanya holds the second-most wins in UFC middleweight title fights (8), trailing only Anderson Silva’s record of 11 victories.
His opponent, 29-year-old Joe Pyfer, currently ranked 15th in the middleweight division, presents a formidable challenge with an impressive record of six wins in his seven UFC appearances. The matchup represents a classic crossroads fight between a former champion seeking redemption and an ascending contender looking to make his mark.
Adesanya has undergone significant philosophical shifts during his hiatus, publicly stating that championship pursuits no longer drive his career motivations. Instead, the veteran fighter emphasizes a desire to compete more freely and embrace greater risks within the octagon.
The event will also feature a high-profile women’s flyweight bout between former champion Alexa Grasso of Mexico and American contender Maycee Barber, adding depth to what promises to be a compelling fight card.