Israel Adesanya insists retirement is not close, despite his latest defeat.
Photo: Photosport
Kiwi mixed martial arts star Israel Adesanya has suffered a fourth straight UFC defeat, raising further questions over when he’ll call time on his decorated career.
The 36-year-old was beaten by rising American middleweight Joe Pyfer in the headline fight in Seattle, the referee stopping the contest in the second round, as Adesanya copped a barrage of blows.
The Auckland City Kick Boxing great looked in vintage touch early in the fight, landing crisp combinations, sharp leg kicks and taking down his opponent effectively.
The game plan went awry in the second round and he had no answer once he was dragged to the mat, where Pyfer locked in a body triangle, before pouring on the punches, giving referee Herb Dean no choice but to end the fight.
Former two-time world champion Adesanya hasn’t won in the UFC since April 2023, losing to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis and, most recently, Nassourdine Imavov in February last year.
He is likely to fall from his current ranking of fourth in the division, but gave no suggestion he would hang up the gloves.
“You keep going again and again and again and again,” he told the ringside announcer. “I’m not leaving, you’ll never stop me.
“I might get beat, but I’ll always remain undefeated.”
Adesanya’s MMA record is now 24-6, including 13-6 in the UFC, while Pyfer, 29, improves to 16-3 and 7-1.
Kiwi Navajo Stirling achieved his fourth UFC victory.
Photo: www.photosport.nz
Earlier on the card, Kiwi Navajo Stirling made it four wins from four in the UFC, with victory over a Brazilian light-heavyweight opponent.
Stirling, 28, beat Bruno Lopes by technical knockout in the second round to extend his unbeaten record as a professional to nine wins.
He stopped a fight early in the UFC for the first time, with his first three wins coming by decision.
Stirling landed a key blow with his right hand and, while Lopes fought on, he was on constant defence, as the Kiwi pushed for victory.
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