Israel Adesanya, the former UFC middleweight champion, is preparing for a comeback fight before the year ends. His coach, Eugene Bareman, confirmed that the 36-year-old has returned to full training and intends to re-enter the octagon in 2025.
Setbacks in the Cage
Adesanya’s dominance slipped after three consecutive losses to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, and Nassourdine Imavov earlier this year. His last major victory came in April 2023 against Alex Pereira. Although rumors of retirement spread quickly, Bareman dismissed them, emphasizing Adesanya’s determination to compete again.
Focused Training Regime
According to Bareman, Adesanya took a short break following his defeats but has been training twice daily for the past two months. He explained that the fighter is rebuilding both physically and mentally. “He’s sharpening his skills and preparing for a fight that reminds people of his energy,” Bareman said during a podcast.
Possible Opponents on the Horizon
Speculation continues over who Adesanya will face. A rematch against Paulo Costa at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 25 remains the strongest possibility. Adesanya defeated Costa by knockout in 2020 at UFC 253, and fans see the potential rematch as a chance for redemption and excitement.
What a Win Could Mean
Adesanya currently holds the No. 5 ranking in the middleweight division. A win over Costa, who sits at 13th, could move him closer to a shot at the new champion, Khamzat Chimaev. Furthermore, UFC 321 may also showcase a heavyweight clash between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, making the event one of the year’s most anticipated cards.
Road Back to the Top
For Adesanya, this return is more than another fight. It is an opportunity to prove his resilience, silence doubts, and show he still belongs among the UFC elite. Fans now wait to see if “The Last Stylebender” can reignite his career before the year closes.
