'I've been lost': Adesanya breaks his silence after four straight losses… and promises 'blood in the sand'

Israel Adesanya, a two-time middleweight champion, has opened up like never before. On the Precision Podcast, which he co-hosts with Demetrious Johnson, he revealed he has signed his next fight contract and got candid about the worst stretch of his career: "The last three years have just not been fun."

'I've been lost'

The 37-year-old Nigerian-New Zealander admitted he'd lost his way: "I've been lost, so I'm found again." He says his motivation is back and sent a warning to his next opponent: "There will be blood in the sand, and it's not going to be me."

Four straight losses

• UFC 293 (September 2023): lost the title to Sean Strickland by decision.
• UFC 305 (August 2024): submitted by Dricus du Plessis in round four, trying to regain the belt.
• February 2025, Saudi Arabia: knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov in round two.
• March 28, 2026, Seattle: TKO'd by Joe Pyfer in round two (4:18).

He's been finished in his last three fights and hasn't won since April 2023, when he knocked out Alex Pereira. He also left City Kickboxing in July, the team he built his whole career with, so this will be his first UFC fight without them in his corner.

The opponent: Shara 'Bullet' Magomedov

According to Ariel Helwani, Adesanya would headline the UFC event in Saudi Arabia on December 5 against Shara Magomedov. The Russian entered the UFC unbeaten in 2023, is known for spectacular knockouts like his spinning backfist on Armen Petrosyan, and has four bonuses in seven fights. His only UFC loss was a decision to Michael 'Venom' Page, after which he beat Michel Pereira by unanimous decision. Adesanya has already posted a promotional image of the fight, but the UFC hasn't officially announced it.

The event is up in the air

There's a catch: according to Bloody Elbow, the Riyadh event is highly likely to be cancelled due to the conflict in the region. If that happens, the fight could move to another venue or date.