Mixed martial arts icon, Israel Adesanya, may be on the verge of calling time on his illustrious career, according to recent comments from his long-time coach, Eugene Bareman.
The former UFC middleweight champion, affectionately known as “The Last Stylebender,” has experienced an unprecedented three-fight losing streak — the first in his decorated journey through combat sports. This has sparked widespread speculation about whether the 34-year-old will ever return to the Octagon.
Adesanya, who made a seamless transition from kickboxing to MMA, stunned the world by not only capturing the UFC middleweight title but defending it successfully five times. His unique style and confident persona made him a global superstar and arguably one of the biggest names the sport has ever produced.
Coach Bareman, speaking on Adesanya’s current state, admitted even he is unsure of what lies ahead.
“Izzy is being Izzy,” Bareman said. “I don’t know what he’s doing next, but that’s a good place to be. He’s just doing him.”
While no official decision has been made, Bareman hinted that retirement is a possibility being seriously considered.
“If he’s going to fight again, then he’s going to fight again,” he added. “If he’s not, we’ve been blessed, I’ve been blessed, the world’s been blessed, the team’s been blessed. But it’s completely up to him.”
Adesanya’s legacy, however, remains firmly intact. Under the City Kickboxing banner, alongside fighters like Dan Hooker, Kai Kara-France, and Carlos Ulberg, no one has come close to achieving his level of dominance and global recognition.
Whether or not fans have witnessed the last of Adesanya inside the cage, his impact on the sport is undeniable. If this is indeed the end, his name will forever be etched among the greatest in UFC history.k