Israel Adesanya Poised for UFC Comeback: Coach Eugene Bareman Confirms Likely Fight Before Year-End to Break Losing Streak

Former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion, Israel Adesanya, is expected to make a return to the Octagon before the end of the year, aiming to halt a stunning potential three-fight losing streak. This news comes from his long-time head coach, Eugene Bareman, just weeks after Adesanya’s recent submission loss at UFC 305.

Adesanya, who once held the middleweight title on two separate occasions, still retains the number two rank in the division despite his recent setbacks. His latest fight saw him suffer a one-sided submission defeat to defending champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 in Perth. The bout ended in the fourth round with a rear-naked choke, marking Adesanya’s second consecutive loss following his upset defeat to Sean Strickland earlier this year.

Despite the recent losses, Adesanya’s coach, Eugene Bareman, remains confident in the fighter’s ability to bounce back. In a recent interview with Combat TV, Bareman hinted at Adesanya’s likely return to action before the year concludes, emphasizing the fighter’s relentless spirit.

“I would say that Izzy (Israel Adesanya) will fight again this year as well,” Bareman revealed. “It could be all on again, this year, it just doesn’t stop.”

While no official opponent has been confirmed, Adesanya has been linked to several potential matchups. Among the possibilities are rising contender Caio Borralho, as well as the winner of the upcoming UFC Paris co-main event between Nassourdine Imavov and Brendan Allen. Bareman’s comments suggest that Adesanya’s team is actively exploring the best path for his return, aiming to position him against a formidable opponent to reignite his winning ways.

Bareman also spoke about Adesanya’s resilience, particularly in the wake of his losses. He noted that while Adesanya may never fully get over his controversial decision loss to Sean Strickland, he has been handling his defeat to du Plessis impressively well.

“He’s (Israel Adesanya) handling it well and you’re right, I love the way he loses, I actually prefer the way he loses than the way he wins,” Bareman said during an appearance on the ‘Who the f*ck are these guys’ podcast. “I’m not a big fan of some of the ways that he wins but I’m definitely a big fan of the way he loses.”

Adesanya has not secured a win since the first quarter of last year when he famously knocked out longtime rival Alex Pereira in the second round to reclaim the middleweight title in Florida. As the UFC season progresses, fans and analysts eagerly await Adesanya’s next move, hoping to see the Nigerian-Kiwi striker reclaim his former glory.

With a potential return looming, the spotlight will be on Adesanya to see if he can defy the odds, break his losing streak, and once again cement his legacy as one of the most dynamic fighters in UFC history.

Stay tuned for updates as Israel Adesanya prepares for what could be one of the most significant comebacks of his career.