Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has declared that he will not return to professional fighting once he decides to retire from the sport.
The 37-year-old Nigerian-born New Zealand fighter shared his retirement plans during a discussion with his friend and training partner, Alexander Volkanovski, on his YouTube channel. However, neither fighter disclosed when Adesanya intends to end his career.
Adesanya explained that he wants to avoid the situation faced by some retired fighters who return to competition because they struggle to adjust to life outside the sport.
He said the fame, recognition and attention associated with fighting could make retirement difficult, adding that he did not want to become someone who repeatedly returns to the sport because he lacks direction after leaving it.
Despite his intention to retire permanently, the former two-time UFC middleweight champion admitted that he would still seek activities capable of providing the excitement and adrenaline he enjoys in combat sports.
He mentioned potentially participating in the World Series of Poker or pursuing other risky adventures, including running with bulls.
Adesanya has suffered four consecutive defeats, with his three most recent losses coming by stoppage. His setbacks include defeats to Joe Pyfer, Nassourdine Imavov and Dricus du Plessis, while his last victory came against Alex Pereira in 2023.
The former champion also disclosed his interest in exploring opportunities outside fighting, particularly in the film industry. He revealed that he previously turned down two major acting roles because of his commitments to defending his championship title.
With his priorities gradually changing, Adesanya indicated that he would prefer to compete approximately twice a year rather than maintain a more demanding fighting schedule.
He also credited retired UFC great Georges St-Pierre for helping him prepare for life after professional competition.
According to Adesanya, St-Pierre’s experience and advice carry significant weight because he successfully reached the highest level of the sport and has already navigated retirement.
Their conversations have helped reassure him that he can build a fulfilling life beyond fighting.
Adesanya maintained that he does not want his future to depend on the need to compete, suggesting that he is determined to develop other interests and opportunities before eventually walking away from the sport for good.
