Nigerian-born UFC star Israel Adesanya has suffered a fourth consecutive loss, further compounding the worst run of his professional MMA career.
The former two-time middleweight champion was knocked out in the second round by Joe Pyfer during their bout in Washington on Saturday, March 28.
Adesanya started brightly and edged the opening round, showing flashes of his trademark striking. However, the fight quickly turned in the second round as Pyfer capitalised on an aggressive push from the Nigerian to land heavy blows, dragging the contest into a fierce exchange.
The 29-year-old Pyfer then secured a takedown, dominating proceedings on the ground with a barrage of strikes. Referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the fight with just 42 seconds remaining in round two.
Once regarded as one of the sport’s elite, Adesanya’s decline comes in stark contrast to his emphatic knockout victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 287 in April 2023.
Since then, the former champion has struggled to find form. He suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Sean Strickland at UFC 293, before being submitted by Dricus du Plessis in August 2024.
His woes continued in February 2025, when Nassourdine Imavov knocked him out in the first round at UFC Saudi Arabia.
With four straight losses, Adesanya now faces an uncertain future as questions mount over the next chapter of his once-dominant UFC career.
