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Israel Adesanya Sets Seattle Return After Injury Derailed Short-Notice de Ridder Fight

The former two-time champion now targets showcase bouts over belts, with fewer than 10 fights left.

Overview

  • Adesanya is booked to headline UFC Seattle against Joe Pyfer on March 28 at Climate Pledge Arena, ending a yearlong layoff.
  • He disclosed he was preparing to face Reinier de Ridder on roughly five to six weeks’ notice in 2025 before a training injury scrapped the plan.
  • After Anthony Hernandez withdrew from the Vancouver main event, Brendan Allen stepped in instead and stopped de Ridder in the fourth round.
  • Adesanya, 36, enters Seattle on a three-fight losing streak after a February 2025 knockout by Nassourdine Imavov and says title chasing is no longer his priority.
  • He says he has fewer than 10 bouts remaining and is eyeing post-fight pursuits such as DJing and work in film or video games, calling the missed short-notice bout a blessing in hindsight.