Adesanya vows not to return after retirement

File photo: Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has vowed that he will not come out of retirement once he decides to walk away from fighting, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 37-year-old has lost his last four fights, the three most recent by stoppage, including defeats to Joe Pyfer, Nassourdine Imavov and Dricus du Plessis. His last win was a knockout of Alex Pereira in 2023.

Adesanya discussed his exit plans in a video on his YouTube channel alongside friend and training partner Alexander Volkanovski. Neither gave a timeline for retirement.

The two-time champion said he feared falling into the trap that has caught many fighters.

“I have seen it in this game. The accolades, the spotlight. When they get done, they may come out of retirement because they do not know what to do with themselves. I never want to be that guy,” he said.

He admitted he would still crave excitement.

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“Maybe I would want to do something that is risky, like run with the bulls. I might jump in the World Series of Poker. I love the adrenaline, but I guess people have a hard time leaving this life,” he said.

Adesanya said he was looking forward to acting opportunities, revealing that he turned down two big film roles in the past because of title defences. He now plans to fight about twice a year instead of four times.

He also credited Georges St-Pierre for guidance.

“When he tells me something, I listen. It holds weight. He is retired, and he has done it, clocked the game at the highest level,” Adesanya said, adding that the talks have given him reassurance that he will be fine after fighting.