UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya Opens Up About His Retirement Plans and Future in the Sport
At 35 years old, Israel Adesanya is taking stock of his remarkable fighting career and considering his options for the future. In his most recent interview on the FLAGRANT Podcast, Adesanya reflected on his achievements and hinted at a potential retirement timeline.
With two UFC middleweight championship titles under his belt, Adesanya is one of the most accomplished fighters in the sport. He’s acutely aware, however, of the physical demands of professional fighting and the importance of recognizing one’s limitations. As he put it, “You’ve got to break up with fighting before fighting breaks up with you.”
Despite ongoing discussions about a potential matchup with Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia in 2024, Adesanya is not rushing to book his next fight. He’s realistic about his own needs and the sport’s brutal toll on athletes. “I don’t know when,” he said, “but I understand I’m past the halfway point and might be three years away from my exit. But the reality is, I don’t want to be fighting at 40.”
Adesanya’s pride in his achievements is palpable, and he’s content with the two middleweight titles he’s won. “If what I’ve already achieved doesn’t bring me happiness, what will?” he wondered. “I’m happy, but I’m not content.”
While he’s uncertain about his immediate future, Adesanya is grateful for the journey thus far and the life he’s built in the sport. His words serve as a reminder that even the greatest athletes must eventually face the music and confront the challenges that come with growing older and more vulnerable.
