Israel Adesanya has faced back-to-back losses in his last two title fights, including his most recent appearance at UFC 305. While some speculated he might retire, Adesanya chose to continue, leaving fans eager to see more of ‘Izzy’ in the octagon. Despite the setbacks, the former middleweight champion has made it clear that he doesn’t envision himself venturing into exhibition boxing after retirement—a path many of his UFC compatriots have taken.
At 35, Adesanya is aware that his fighting career is nearing its conclusion. Initially, he aimed to retire by 34 but has extended his timeline slightly. Speaking on The Flagrant Podcast with Andrew Schulz, Adesanya opened up about his post-UFC plans and his disinterest in exhibition boxing matches, whether against retired fighters or YouTubers.
He admitted that while such events are often lucrative, he doesn’t see the appeal unless the financial incentive is extraordinarily high. “Nah hell no hell no, maybe some wrestling maybe…..I mean, f*ck 20 million bro, I’ll pray on it….But we’ll see but I just don’t think anything,” Adesanya humorously remarked when asked about the possibility.
Adesanya remains dedicated to competing in the UFC but is already thinking about life after fighting, showing little interest in pursuing trends purely for monetary reasons. However, his achievements in the UFC have cemented a legacy that few can match. He delivered outstanding performances in the octagon and created memorable rivalries that thrilled fans. Even his former rival, Alex Pereira, has expressed admiration for Adesanya’s impact on the sport.
Alex Pereira Praises Israel Adesanya, Open to Training Together In Future
The Brazilian fighter, known for his intense rivalry with Israel Adesanya, has expressed genuine admiration for his former opponent. Despite their dramatic history, Pereira voiced his support for Adesanya’s championship aspirations in a recent YouTube video.
“He has a beautiful story. I’m here; I’m supporting him. I already fought him, and I am not going to say he should lose. I’m not mad at him, no grudges. Like I said, if one day it’s possible to train with him, exchanging knowledge,” Pereira said.
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Pereira’s comments highlight the mutual respect between the two champions despite their fierce rivalry. Pereira’s only UFC loss came at the hands of Israel Adesanya, with the two fighters now holding a 1-1 record after facing off twice. Fans are eager to see if a third fight will take place to settle their score once and for all.
Also Read: Israel Adesanya Reveals P. Diddy “Hit Him Up” After His Stunning Knockout Of Alex Pereira
