In the UFC Saudi Arabia main event on Saturday, Israel Adesanya was handed his third loss in a row when he was knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov in the second round.
Coming into his UFC Saudi Arabia main event against Nassourdine Imavov, ‘The Last Stylebender’ was hopeful of returning to the win column and keeping his name attached to the middleweight title conversation.
Despite that, Israel Adesanya was handed a devastating second-round knockout loss, which has led to calls from fans for him to retire from fighting.
With that, immediately after his fight, Adesanya answered questions regarding potential retirement, stating that he would take some time to think about his next move.
READ MORE: Israel Adesanya was brought to tears during brutal weight cut before latest UFC stoppage defeat
Adesanya declares he ‘will be back’ despite calls for retirement
Now 35-years-old and having suffered four losses in his last five fights, it will take a lot for ‘The Last Stylebender’ to get back near the top of the 185lb division, where he spent so many years.
And because of that, UFC legend and former champion of the division, Michael Bisping believes he is nearing the beginning of the end of his fighting career.
However, because of his superstardom and popularity amongst the fanbase, the Nigerian is seemingly always just two wins away from a title shot in what is a pretty barron 185lb division.
And with that in mind, Adesanya has declared that he will be back having initially reflected on his UFC Saudi loss, despite calls for him to retire. On the transport bus back to the fighter hotel, Adesanya immediately watched the highlights of his fight.
“F*ck, ah the speed, the speed, he’s so good,” Adesanya commented whilst watching the fight back for the first time.
Once the former champion had gotten back to the hotel, he watched the fight back once again and offered more reaction. When Marc Goddard waved off the fight, Adesanya seemingly disputed it initially.
“Fair, fair game,” he said about Goddard’s stoppage.
“Fair game. F*ck. I was doing the stripper splits. I was still alive. Well, that’s how the game goes.
“Rolled the dice, snake eyes. I’ll be back, gone to get some milk,” he continued.
What could be next for Israel Adesanya following third loss in a row?
When fighters are nearing the end of their career, they may usually move up in weight, however, that path is pretty much blocked for Adesanya.
He attempted to move up to 205lbs in 2021 and was defeated by Jan Blachowicz. With Alex Pereira being the reigning champion of that division, a move up for Adesanya wouldn’t make much sense.
Unfortunately though, having been at the top of the middleweight division for over six years, Adesanya has fought the majority of the contenders in the division.
If the 35-year-old does decide to attempt to make his way back to the top of the 185lb division, a matchup against Caio Borralho could make sense with him on a seven fight win streak and occupying rank six and Adesanya has hinted at that potential fight previously.