Adesanya To Headline UFC Seattle

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jan 14, 2026 2:20 AM ET

Former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is set to return to the Octagon on March 28 to headline UFC Seattle against Joe Pyfer at the Climate Pledge Arena.

This matchup is critical for Adesanya, who is looking to end the first three-fight losing streak of his career. The 36-year-old hasn’t won since his knockout of Alex Pereira in 2023 at UFC 287 to win the middleweight title. Most recently, he suffered a second-round TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov in February 2025, which followed a submission loss to Dricus du Plessis.

As for Pyfer, he is on a three-fight win streak, most recently finishing Abus Magomedov with a submission at UFC 320 in October 2025. Pyfer holds an 86% finish rate, making him one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. While Adesanya remains ranked 6th, the 15-ranked Pyfer has the chance to elevate that ranking with a win.

“Israel Adesanya versus Joe Pyfer. Adesanya, former two-time middleweight champ; 16 of his 24 wins by knockout. And Joe Pyfer is on a three-fight win streak and, since winning the Contender Series, all but one of his wins have come by finish,” White said

Co-Main Event

In chief support, former UFC Flyweight champion Alexa Grasso rematches Maycee Barber. Their first encounter in February 2021 saw Grasso earn a unanimous decision victory. Grasso is desperate to secure a victory, having gone winless in her last three outings.

She fought to a draw with Shevchenko in their 2023 rematch, lost the belt in their 2024 trilogy, and was most recently outpointed by Natalia Silva at UFC 315 in May 2025. Meanwhile, Barber has reeled off seven consecutive wins. Barber secured a unanimous decision over Karine Silva at UFC 323 in December 2025.

“Also on the card, we have former champ Alexa Grasso facing Macy Barber. Grasso is currently ranked number three in the flyweight division and is the first female-ever Mexican UFC champion. Number five ranked Macy Barber is on a seven-fight win streak. She’s second all-time in flyweight history for wins, knockout, and win streak—only behind Valentina Shevchenko,” White added

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