Israel Adesanya prepares for UFC return in December 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 16, 2026, 11:18 AM
Last updated Oct 16, 2026
Israel Adesanya is reportedly set to return to the UFC in December 2026 after being absent for more than six months. The former two-time UFC Middleweight champion has lost his last four bouts, including a knockout defeat to Joe Pyfer in March 2026. Despite rumors of retirement, Adesanya is expected to fight Shara Magomedov, who previously called him out after a victory in June 2025. The proposed matchup could take place at UFC Saudi Arabia on December 5, 2026, although it has yet to be officially confirmed.
- •Adesanya has not fought since March 2026 due to a four-fight losing streak.
- •Magomedov has been calling for a matchup since June 2025.
- •Potential bout scheduled for December 5, 2026, at UFC Saudi Arabia.
- •Adesanya is a former two-time UFC Middleweight champion.
- 11:18 AMYahoo Sports — Israel Adesanya’s UFC return reportedly set for late 2026
"Absent for over six months in the UFC, the Kiwi fighter Israel Adesanya is reportedly inching closer to his comeback date. Regarded as one of the most prolific fighters in the sport, Adesanya has remained winless since 2023. After his knockout victory against Alex Pereira in Apr. 2023, he went on to lose to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, and […] The post Israel Adesanya’s UFC return reportedly set for late 2026 appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
UFC•Oct 16, 2026, 12:00 PMRaoni Barcelos still has no diagnosis after losing consciousness in UFC fight
UFC•Oct 16, 2026, 8:40 AMSean Strickland chased down by homeless Canadian over filming
UFC•Oct 16, 2026, 7:00 AMPoatan Suffering From Teeny Weeny, Bruised Ego
UFC•Oct 16, 2026, 5:48 AMHow to watch UFC Edmonton: Live stream, start time & fight card- UFC•Oct 16, 2026, 5:41 AMMike Malott was told he'd never make the UFC; now he's headlining
UFC•Oct 16, 2026, 4:53 AMThe Inner Circle 35 And ONE Friday Fights 175 – Results And Highlights From Every Match