Adesanya to Headline UFC Fight Night vs. Pyfer in Seattle

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will return to the octagon after nearly a year away to headline UFC Fight Night on March 28 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, facing rising contender Joe Pyfer in the main event.

UFC CEO Dana White announced the matchup during an Instagram live stream on Tuesday, confirming Adesanya's comeback bout against the 28-year-old Pyfer, who has emerged as a knockout threat in the division. The event marks the promotion's return to Seattle following last year's Fight Night card, with tickets going on sale February 6 through Ticketmaster and the full fight card expected to be finalized soon. The show will stream live on Paramount+.

Adesanya, known as "The Last Stylebender" for his striking flair, dominated the middleweight division from 2019 to 2022, capturing the title in October 2019 and defending it five times against opponents including Robert Whittaker, Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori and Jared Cannonier. He also avenged a kickboxing loss with a second-round knockout of Alex Pereira to reclaim the belt at UFC 281 in November 2022. However, Adesanya has struggled since, dropping the title in a unanimous decision upset to Sean Strickland...