Israel Adesanya Firm on Retirement Stance: 'I Never Want to Be That Guy'

Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has opened up about his future in combat sports, emphasizing a desire to exit the sport completely once his career concludes. Addressing his current status, the 37-year-old indicated that he is determined to avoid the common trend of fighters returning to competition long past their prime.

Adesanya, who has been a staple of the professional combat sports landscape for over 16 years, is currently navigating a challenging period in his career, having dropped his last four consecutive bouts. Reflecting on the longevity of his tenure and the physical toll of his lengthy professional run, Adesanya acknowledged that his time in the cage is inevitably reaching its conclusion.

The former champion stressed that he wants to walk away from the sport without regrets, specifically vowing that he will not pursue a return to competition once he officially retires. Adesanya expressed a firm commitment to transitioning away from fighting entirely, stating, 'I never want to be that guy' who lingers in the sport after his competitive window has closed. While no official retirement date has been set, Adesanya’s comments provide clear insight into his mindset as he evaluates his future trajectory within the promotion.

Source: MMA Fighting.