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Israel Adesanya’s UFC return reportedly set for late 2026

Israel Adesanya, the two-time UFC Middleweight champion and Hall of Famer, is poised to return to the octagon after a six-month absence, with reports suggesting his comeback could materialize in December 2026. The 37-year-old has faced a winless streak since April 2023, losing to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and most recently Joe Pyfer in March 2026, who knocked him out in a bout that briefly fueled retirement speculation.

Despite the setbacks, Adesanya has dismissed talk of retirement, with plans to reclaim his spot among the sport’s elite fighters.

Speculation has also swirled around a potential showdown with rising middleweight contender Shara Magomedov, who has called out Adesanya following his victory over Michel Pereira in June 2025. Magomedov, who has only lost once in his professional career, has expressed interest in facing Adesanya, with rumors pointing to a potential main event at UFC Saudi Arabia on December 5, 2026.

The fight remains unconfirmed but would mark a significant moment for both fighters, given Adesanya’s storied legacy and Magomedov’s rapid ascent in the division.

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