Here’s a bold statement: Israel Adesanya, one of the most dominant figures in UFC history, has no plans to step into the boxing ring after his MMA career ends. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many fighters like Anderson Silva and Darren Till have successfully transitioned to boxing, Adesanya is firmly rooted in the belief that his legacy belongs exclusively to the UFC. Why? Let’s dive in.
Adesanya, a former kickboxer turned MMA sensation, boasts an impressive record of 24-5 in MMA and 13-5 in the UFC. His journey includes five title defenses as the middleweight champion, a reign that ended at UFC 281 when Alex Pereira dethroned him. But Adesanya didn’t go down without a fight—he avenged that loss with a knockout victory at UFC 287, reclaiming his belt in spectacular fashion. And this is the part most people miss—despite recent setbacks, including a TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 250, Adesanya’s impact on the sport is undeniable. His 2019 interim middleweight title fight against Kelvin Gastelum was so iconic that it earned a spot in the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame.
So, why isn’t he tempted by boxing? In a recent Q&A at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, Adesanya shared his thoughts: ‘For me, my career is going to end in the UFC. This is the ultimate form of fighting—mixed martial arts. You use every limb, every weapon. How could I, after reaching the pinnacle of this sport, say, ‘Oh, I’m just going to box?’ He admits, ‘I always said no because I felt like my legacy is already set in stone.’ But he also adds, ‘Never say never,’ leaving a tiny crack open for speculation.
Here’s the controversial question: Is Adesanya’s decision to stick with the UFC a missed opportunity, or is he right to preserve his legacy in the sport that made him a legend? While fighters like Darren Till are exploring new horizons, Adesanya seems content to finish his career at the top of the UFC. ‘I’m just going to finish my career at the top in the UFC,’ he declared, though he humorously acknowledged that a massive paycheck—perhaps from Turki Alalshikh—could change his mind.
Interestingly, Adesanya also revealed he’s no longer chasing the belt. After three consecutive losses, he’s shifting his focus. What does this mean for his future? Will he retire on his terms, or is there one last epic fight in him? What do you think? Is Adesanya making the right call by skipping boxing, or is there untapped potential waiting to be explored? Let’s debate in the comments!
