For the first time in his storied career, “The Last Stylebender” finds himself in unfamiliar territory — riding a three-fight losing streak, including back-to-back finishes.
Still, the 36-year-old remains confident he can remind everyone exactly who he is and put on a show.
“You know how the game is — people say ‘you’re only as good as your last fight’,” Adesanya said during UFC Seattle media day. “When I’m done this weekend, I want people to be like, ‘Wow, f—k how did I ever doubt him? How did I ever think he was done? Like what the f—k was I thinking?’ That’s the story I want to write this weekend.”
Standing across from him will be a dangerous finisher in Pyfer, who has built his reputation on highlight-reel knockouts (watch highlights) — but Adesanya expects a different approach once the cage door shuts.
“I believe he’s going to shoot quite early because they know — they always do. I make them,” Adesanya told CBS Sports. “My stand up is just a different game, a different level. But if he wants to stand with me, I welcome it. If he wants to wrestle, I welcome that too. I just want to do what I do in the gym under the bright lights.”
Whether Pyfer leans on his grappling or chooses to test himself on the feet, one thing is clear — Adesanya believes he’ll be ready for anything.
Now, it’s just a matter of proving it.
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