Adesanya Signs New UFC Contract, Confirms Imminent Return

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has signed a new contract with the UFC and expects to return to fighting soon. Adesanya disclosed the deal on the Precision podcast, confirming he had put pen to paper for his comeback.

The 37-year-old has lost four consecutive fights since knocking out Alex Pereira at UFC 287.

Three of those defeats came by stoppage — two by TKO and one by submission. Despite the losing run, Adesanya said he is excited to compete again and feels renewed after a difficult period.

He said he had missed fighting and that the past three years had been hard, adding that he now feels “found again” and wants to show fans what he can still do.

He also promised a violent return, saying there would be “blood in the sand” and that it would not be his.

The remark has raised speculation that the fight could take place in Abu Dhabi or Saudi Arabia, but no venue or opponent has been confirmed.

Adesanya has previously said he will not come out of retirement once he retires and plans to fight about twice a year instead of four times.