Adesanya Signs Return Contract and Vows 'Blood in the Sand' After Losing His Love for Fighting

Israel Adesanya is officially on his way back. The former two-time UFC middleweight champion has revealed he has signed the contract for his next fight, ending a seven-month absence from competition and opening up about a difficult period in which he says he lost his love for the sport. Speaking on his Precision Podcast, Adesanya said both the disclosed purse agreement and the second contract were now done, and warned there would be "blood in the sand" when he returns.

Adesanya has not fought since Joe Pyfer knocked him out in the second round at UFC Seattle in March, extending a losing run that also includes defeats to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis and Nassourdine Imavov. His last victory came against Alex Pereira in their April 2023 rematch, and he admitted the last three years have simply not been fun. "I've been lost, so I've been found again," he said, adding that he had missed competing and could not wait to showcase what he can still do.

He is reportedly set to face Shara Magomedov in a UFC Fight Night headliner in Riyadh in December, although that matchup has not been officially announced and uncertainty continues around the event. Adesanya also left his long-time home at City Kickboxing in July, so his return would come with a new team in his corner as well as a renewed mindset.