Nigerian-born UFC star Israel Adesanya suffered another setback on Saturday, March 28, after being knocked out in the second round by Joe Pyfer in the UFC Seattle main event.
The loss extends Adesanya’s difficult run to four consecutive defeats, casting doubt over the next phase of his career as a former two-time middleweight champion.
He began the bout on a bright note, displaying the sharp striking and composure that once defined his dominance in the octagon. His control in the opening round suggested he could finally halt his losing streak.
However, the fight took a dramatic turn in the second round. Pyfer raised the intensity, landing heavy strikes that forced Adesanya onto the back foot. The 29-year-old then secured a takedown and dominated on the ground, unleashing a series of unanswered punches. With 42 seconds remaining in the round, referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the contest.
The defeat adds to a challenging stretch for Adesanya, who had earlier reclaimed the middleweight title with a knockout victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 287 in April 2023. He subsequently lost the belt to Sean Strickland at UFC 293, before suffering further defeats to Dricus du Plessis and Nassourdine Imavov.
Once regarded as one of the most precise and confident strikers in the UFC, Adesanya now finds himself at a crucial point. With four straight losses, the 35-year-old faces mounting pressure to reassess his future if he hopes to return to top form.
