Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images

Israel Adesanya explains why losing streak hasn’t shaken him

Originally posted on HITC | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Mar 27, 2026 11:47 AM ET

Israel Adesanya is set to step back into the Octagon this Saturday, still searching for his first win since 2022.

The former two-time UFC middleweight champion is coming off a run of three straight losses, with his last fight taking place in February 2025.

Back-to-back title defeats against Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis were followed by a knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov in Saudi Arabia.

“The Last Stylebender” has never been one to let outside opinions affect him. During the promotion for his fight against Rob Wilkinson at UFC 221 back in February 2018, Adesanya spoke openly about how negativity from others had no impact on him, and he made it clear that his self-confidence is the only thing that matters.

Israel Adesanya on how he handles his recent losses

Before this rough patch, Adesanya had already made a huge statement by knocking out Alex Pereira. That win not only avenged the loss that ended his first title reign but also helped him secure his place as one of the sport’s greats.

Since then, there has been a noticeable dip in form, which isn’t unusual for fighters as they get older. But while some struggle to cope with that shift, ‘The Last Stylebender’ insists he isn’t feeling the same impact.

“It’s not tough if you’re me,” Adesanya told Paramount when asked about his losing run.

“I’ve had losses outside the cage before, so I know how to come back for those. This isn’t any different.

“I walk down the street and they still call me champ, they still show me love,” he continued. “I’m still me; I’m still Israel Adesanya.”

“So that doesn’t affect me the way it would other people.”

With that in mind, Adesanya’s focus for Saturday’s main event against Joe Pyfer in Seattle is simply to get back to performing well inside the Octagon rather than worrying about chasing another title shot just yet.

The middleweight belt will be contested just a few weeks after Saturday’s card at Climate Pledge Arena when champion Khamzat Chimaev takes on Sean Strickland at UFC 328.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: