One last chance for Izzy 🥺 Israel Adesanya was once the man everyone at middleweight had to go through. 👑 From knocking out Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa to his unforgettable rivalry with Alex Pereira, Izzy built a legacy filled with iconic moments and some of the most impressive performances the division has ever seen. But the last few years have been difficult. Four consecutive defeats against Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov and Joe Pyfer have left serious questions about what comes next for “The Last Stylebender.” 💔 Now, a new challenge awaits. Adesanya is set to face Shara “Bullet” Magomedov in the reported main event of UFC Saudi Arabia on December 5. Can Izzy turn back the clock one more time, or are we witnessing the final chapter of a legendary career?
Israel Adesanya is reportedly set to return against Shara Magomedov in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia on December 5. The matchup has not been officially confirmed.
If it goes ahead, it would give the former middleweight champion a chance to end a four-fight losing streak. Adesanya has lost to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov and Joe Pyfer in succession. His most recent recorded fight was the second-round KO/TKO loss to Pyfer on March 28, 2026, and he also lost by stoppage to Imavov in February 2025.
Adesanya, 37, is 24-6 and ranked ninth at middleweight. The Nigerian-born fighter from City Kickboxing stands six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach. He lands 4.03 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy.
Magomedov, 32, arrives in better form. The Russian from Gorets Fight Club is 17-1 and ranked 15th at middleweight. His most recent recorded fight was a unanimous decision win over Michel Pereira on June 27, 2026, his second straight decision victory after beating Marc-Andre Barriault in July 2025. His only loss came by unanimous decision to Michael Page in February 2025.
Why it matters
- Magomedov out-lands Adesanya on volume, at 5.93 significant strikes per minute against 4.03, and is more accurate at 62 percent against 48 percent.
- Adesanya holds a six-inch reach advantage, 80 inches to 73, and is two inches taller.
- Adesanya is five years older and ranked six places higher, so the result could shift both fighters' standing in a crowded division.
- Neither man is a grappling-heavy fighter. Magomedov averages no takedowns per 15 minutes, and Adesanya's rate is 0.05, which points to a fight that stays on the feet.
The pairing sets a decorated veteran who needs a win against a younger, ranked striker who has won his last two. For Adesanya, a fifth straight defeat would deepen questions about his future. For Magomedov, beating a name of Adesanya's stature would be one of the biggest wins of his UFC career.
Israel Adesanya vs Shara Magomedov
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