Former UFC middleweight champion Israel "Black Dragon" Adesanya has revealed that he will soon return to the Octagon after saying that he will take a long leave of absence and will not return to the UFC until 2027.
At UFC 293 in September, defending champion Adesanya was upset by unanimous defending champion Adesanya who lost the belt to challenger Sean Strickland, and after losing the bout, Adesanya said he would not return until 2027. "I'm not dead, I'm not retiring, I'm alive, see you in 2027, that's when I'll return, we'll see you then," he said. Many fans have expressed concern about Adesaya's remarks, saying that Adesanya will be 37 years old in 2027 and will definitely not be in the same condition as before.
In a recent interview, Adesanya suddenly "repented", saying: "As a UFC champion, I actually fought four fights in 14 months, which is unheard of, and I am definitely the most active champion. Life has forced me to take a break for a while, I will, but you will see me again soon. I'm talking about 2027, and those mentally retarded really believe it, and they think that's what I mean. You'll see me soon, though. ”
Exactly when Adesanya will return is still unknown, with some speculating that he will appear at UFC 300 next year. One of the greatest middleweight champions in UFC history, he could challenge the title head-on in his return bout against the winner of reigning UFC middleweight champion Strickland and challenger South African rising star Derricks Du Plessis, who will face off at UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada, on January 21.
In addition, old rival Pereira "Hands of Stone" also extended a five-match invitation to Adesaya. At UFC 295 in November, Pereira was crowned the light heavyweight champion with a second-round TKO victory over Prohazka, and Pereira wants Adesanya to move up to light heavyweight to fight again. The two have faced each other four times, the first two being kickboxing, with Pereira beating Adesanya twice, and then two more MMA bouts, each winning one to a 1-1 draw, but overall Adesanya has lost more than she won.
So when will Adesanya return and who will be his opponents?