Adesanya promises to make UFC return 'soon'
It appears former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will be back in the Octagon earlier than expected.
After losing the title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September, Adesanya said he wasn't "going to fight for a long time" and even joked he wouldn't return until 2027. But the Nigerian-born New Zealander changed his tune earlier this week.
"Right now, I'm taking my time," Adesanya told iFL TV. "My last few fights - I had four fights in 14 months as a champion in the UFC. That's unheard of. I was the most active champion - not fighter, champion - in the league.
"Life has forced me to take some time off, and I will, but you will see me soon. I said 2027, and the r-----s out there actually thought I meant that. But you'll see."
On Saturday, middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev teased interest in a matchup with Adesanya on social media.
Adesanya fought twice in 2023 and three times in 2022 - all title fights - making him one of the busiest champions in the UFC over the last two years.
The 34-year-old's unanimous decision loss to Strickland was one of the biggest upsets in MMA history. Adesanya is currently ranked No. 1 at 185 pounds.