Key moments
In a shocking development, Israel Adesanya was stopped by Joe Pyfer at 4:18 of the second round during UFC Fight Night in Seattle on March 28, 2026. This defeat marks a significant downturn in Adesanya’s career, as it represents his fourth consecutive loss in the octagon.
The immediate circumstances of the fight saw Adesanya, a two-time middleweight champion, struggling to find his rhythm against the rising star Pyfer. Adesanya has not won a bout since regaining his middleweight title in April 2023, and his recent losses include defeats by Sean Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis, and Nassourdine Imavov.
Joe Pyfer, who was ranked No. 14 in the middleweight division prior to this fight, extended his winning streak to four with this victory. His UFC record now stands at an impressive 7-1, showcasing his potential as a formidable contender in the division.
Adesanya’s professional MMA record now sits at 24-6, a stark contrast to his earlier dominance in the sport. At 36 years old, the fighter expressed his determination to continue competing, stating, “I’m just going to keep going and going and going.” His resilience is evident, even as he faces mounting challenges.
In the same event, other notable fights occurred, including Alexa Grasso defeating Maycee Barber by TKO in the opening round and Michael Chiesa announcing his retirement after submitting Niko Price in his final fight. Additionally, Terrance McKinney made headlines by winning his fight against Kyle Nelson in just 24 seconds.
Adesanya’s recent struggles have raised questions about his future in the sport. However, he remains optimistic, declaring, “Definitely not my final chapter,” and emphasizing his desire to reclaim the feeling of victory, saying, “I miss the feeling of winning. I don’t need it, but I want it, and I’m going to get what I want.”
As the MMA community reacts to this latest setback for Adesanya, the focus will be on how he plans to bounce back from these consecutive defeats. His journey in the octagon is far from over, and fans are eager to see what comes next for the former champion.