Adesanya opens up on comeback, new contract

File photo: Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has revealed that he has signed a new UFC contract and will return to the octagon fairly soon.

Adesanya made the disclosure on the Precision podcast, confirming that he has put pen to paper on the deal for his comeback.

The 37-year-old has lost four consecutive fights since he knocked out Alex Pereira at UFC 287. Three of those defeats came by stoppage, two by TKO and one by submission.

Despite the poor run, Adesanya said he is excited to be back and feels renewed after a difficult period.

“I have missed this s—. The last three years have just not been fun. I have been lost. So, I am found again, and I just cannot wait to showcase everything, and yes, you will see. You know me, I speak from the heart, and I do not want to let this get bigger. I just want to show you guys,” he said.

He also teased a violent return.

“All I am going to say is there is going to be blood in the sand. There will be blood in the sand, and it will not be me,” Adesanya said.

The remark suggests the fight could be held in Abu Dhabi or Saudi Arabia, although no venue or opponent has been confirmed.

Adesanya recently said that he would not come out of retirement once he decides to walk away from fighting, and that he plans to compete about twice a year instead of four times.

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