Israel Adesanya receives fan criticism over recent physique changes
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 11:50 AM
Last updated Sep 10, 2026
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is facing public scrutiny regarding his current physical appearance after recent photos and videos surfaced online. The media content, which featured the fighter in a photoshoot, showed him with a larger physique than fans observed during his previous competitive runs. While some observers speculated that the size increase could indicate a potential move to a higher weight class, others criticized the change, comparing his build to other fighters. Adesanya has been on hiatus since his loss to Joe Pyfer at UFC Fight Night earlier in 2026. Neither the fighter nor the UFC have confirmed plans for his return to the octagon or whether the physical change relates to a specific training program or weight adjustment. The discourse reflects ongoing fan interest in the former champion's career status during his current time away from active competition.
- •Israel Adesanya drew fan attention after photos showing a larger physique appeared online.
- •Adesanya last fought Joe Pyfer in an early 2026 UFC Fight Night event.
- •Former rivals Derek Brunson and Paulo Costa previously criticized his earlier, leaner build.
- •Fans have speculated on social media that the physical changes could precede a move to a new weight class.
- 11:50 AMYahoo Sports — UFC news: Fans display concern and criticism of veteran Israel Adesanya’s current physique
"Often regarded as one of the most fearsome and skilled MMA fighters of the current era, Israel Adesanya recently found himself on the receiving end of some major criticism. Once mocked for being too skinny by his rivals, Adesanya now finds himself getting trolled for the exact opposite reason. His former rivals Derek Brunson and Paulo Costa […] The post UFC news: Fans display concern and criticism of veteran Israel Adesanya’s current physique appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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