Former UFC Middleweight kingpin Israel Adesanya is back in action … for perhaps the final time.
Per a report from multiple sources, Adesanya will make his return versus Shara Magomedov in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia, which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 5, 2026. Magomedov has called out “Stylebender” repeatedly over the last couple years, and he’ll finally get his wishes in a striker’s delight matchup.
Unfortunately, times have been tough for Adesanya. The formerly dominant champion has now lost four straight fights and appears to be quickly approaching the end of his career. His most recent appearance was particularly concerning, as Adesanya was taking apart Joe Pyfer before he suddenly decided to brawl with one of the division’s most ferocious punchers.
Fortunately, this is a clear step back in competition for Adesanya, who has only lost to champions and top contenders. Magomedov has built up a reasonably impressive 6-1 UFC record, but he’s not touted as a future champion and hasn’t defeated any great competition. His singular step up in competition saw him thoroughly beaten by Michael Page, though he’s since rebounded by defeating Marc-Andre Barriault and the recently released Michel Pereira.
Is that enough for Adesanya to return to the win column and prolong his UFC career? We’ll find out in December. Until then, stay tuned for further updates to the UFC Saudi Arabia fight card.