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Israel Adesanya (24-5) will step back into the UFC octagon this Saturday after more than a year of inactivity. The former middleweight champion will face a tough contender in Joe Pyfer (15-3) in the main event of UFC Seattle to reverse his situation - three consecutive defeats - and prove that he is still in force, in a category where he is considered one of the greatest of all time. MARCA has been able to speak with 'The Last Stylebender' a few days before the fight to discuss certain issues surrounding his figure.
Question. Hello Israel. How are you and how has the camp been?
Answer. I feel really good. It's been a very refreshing camp, so I'm completely ready to go for it.
How has the mental process been to reverse those three consecutive defeats?
It wasn't a problem for me, it was easy. It's been nice to take a year off from fighting and do other things, but now it's time to get back in there and do what I do best, which is get in that octagon and shine.
What have you learned from those last three fights?
For me, the key is simply to be focused. You have to be focused for the 25 minutes of the fight. You can't get distracted in this, so that's one of the things I've learned. Be in focus and take my time in certain positions so that it doesn't happen again.
It was nice to take some time off, but now it's time to get back to doing what I do best
How important has it been to take this time to refresh new ideas?
It's good to take a little time and relax and let things be as they are. I'm glad I did, really. That said, it's time to get back to work.
What leads you to accept the confrontation with Pyfer?
It's simple: I've never avoided anyone. I've never said no to a fight. For me he's a dangerous guy, even with regard to the rankings. Anyway, for me it's not about rankings. I also want to fight, because the division is stagnant. We have to keep moving. I want to fight.
What do you think of Pyfer from a sporting point of view?
I think he's a good fighter. I think he's dangerous, very dangerous. I want to take him into deep water and show him what I am, that's going to be the key.
For me it's not about rankings. I also want to fight, because the division is stagnant
You also recently commented that you no longer care so much about the belt, but about putting on a show and being the fighter you once were. Which Adesanya will we see this Saturday?
Gold always comes, but that's not my main goal. I want to focus on performance and show my love for the game. I love this game. I love the skills of fighting. I do a lot of great things in the gym, and now I want to do them under the bright lights.
Do you think this takes the pressure off you going into the fight?
Yes, exactly, although there is always pressure. Especially because I put pressure on myself and this game is a pressure cooker. I'm not thinking about doing this or that. No, I just want to show up. That's what frees me, that my only intention is that.
Gold always comes, but that's not my main goal
Chimaev -champion- says he wants to move up to light heavyweight, and Costa and Whittaker are also on their way to doing so. Do you see yourself as the one to reactivate the division?
That's crazy. I didn't know Costa was going to move up. I only found out that Chimaev wanted to move up, and it was yesterday. I feel so empty -laughs-... I'm going to go back to doing what I do. We'll see. For me, the focus is not on them, but to get in the octagon this Saturday and give a great performance.
Now that the old division names are gone, do you see yourself as the old rocker against these new prospects?
Yes, I am. I'm still the big dog in the yard. I've got to defend myself this weekend and remind them exactly what I do and why I'm the one who does it best. So, yes, with patience, we'll get there.
I have to defend myself this weekend and remind them exactly what I do and why I'm the best at it
What motivates such a decorated champion to keep competing?
The love for this sport. The love of the game is what really drives me to try again, because it's so great to do this as a job... But also, as I said, what I do in the gym. Really, I've done a lot of great things in the gym. That's why I say I'm very motivated and I want to take it to the big stage and do it on a big stage. That's what really motivates me.
How important is the ecosystem at City Kickboxing in all of this?
There's a lot of camaraderie and support in the gym. When one of us does well, we all do well, and I think that's the key to success. It's a good time in the gym. There's a lot of great fights happening, a lot of local fights as well, so everyone's starting to work and shine.
Love of the game is what really drives me to try again
Everyone asks you about retirement. Aren't you tired of the subject?
Yes, but I don't worry about that. People can think what they want. Also, I'm at the tail end of my career, so it's understandable. I'm also asked a lot about my walkout. Is there any special walkout this time? And I'm like, 'no, I'm just going to go in and fight' -laughs-. I have several good walkouts that were history, but every time someone asks me, 'are you going to do any special retirement?' I'm like, 'ummm, no'.
As for the future, now that you have taken a break, would you like to be more active in 2026?
I honestly don't think beyond this weekend. The perfect scenario for me this weekend, and from there we'll see. What is clear is that I will stay in middleweight for the rest of my career.