Getty Image / Chris Unger
Israel Adesanya is set to face off against Alex Pereira once again in April and UFC fans can’t wait.
However, Adesanya spoke about what might be in store for his career and now fans are speculating about a potential retirement.
According to MMA Junkie, the former middleweight champion was blunt about his future plans in the organization. “I’ve been in the UFC five years, right? If I’m being honest, I’m not gonna be here in five years. I have other things to do in life.”
Adesanya explains the reasoning, per MMA Junkie. “I love this sh*t and I’m f*cking great at it but I never attach myself to this and I’m gonna leave on top. So yeah, that’s the best way I feel like you should leave.”
So, it sounds like Israel Adesanya will be done with fighting within the next five years. However, UFC fans are speculating it will be much sooner than that.
Personally, I think Izzy is gone after this year. Imo, the UFC is NOT what it used to be and Dana, NO it's not better.
— Htown Orphan * (@HtownOrphan) February 16, 2023
This guy thinks another loss to Alex Pereira will have Adesanya retire. Even though that technically would be going against his claims of going out on top.
If he loses to Alex again he retires
— eyeneedmoney.eth (@Goethe914) February 16, 2023
To be fair, retirement isn’t all that far-fetched for Adesanya in a five-year time span.
well hes 33, gonna be 34 this year so ya… He wont be fighting in 5 years just like every other fighter his age
— ADAM (@wvbcaa) February 16, 2023
With that said, we’ll see how the rest of his career pans out. For now, he has a big fight coming up at UFC 287 to focus on.