Israel Adesanya’s UFC Legacy: Why Boxing Isn’t in the Cards—But Here’s Where It Gets Controversial
Israel Adesanya, the former UFC middleweight champion, has made it crystal clear: his fighting career will end where it soared to unimaginable heights—inside the Octagon. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many MMA stars like Anderson Silva and Darren Till have crossed over to boxing, Adesanya is staunchly against it. Why? He believes his legacy is already cemented in the UFC, and boxing simply doesn’t align with his vision of combat greatness. But is he leaving money on the table? And could his stance change if the right offer comes along? Let’s dive in.
Adesanya’s journey from kickboxing to MMA has been nothing short of legendary. With a record of 24-5 in MMA (13-5 in the UFC), he dominated the middleweight division, defending his title five times before losing it to longtime rival Alex Pereira at UFC 281. In a thrilling comeback, he knocked out Pereira at UFC 287 to reclaim the belt, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Though he’s faced recent setbacks, including a TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 250—his third consecutive defeat—his accomplishments have already earned him a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame. His 2019 interim middleweight title fight against Kelvin Gastelum was inducted into the Fight Wing of the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame, a testament to his impact on the sport.
But here’s the part most people miss: Adesanya’s refusal to box isn’t just about pride—it’s about principle. In a recent Q&A at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, he stated, ‘For me, my career is going to end in the UFC, I believe. But never say never.’ He views mixed martial arts as the ultimate form of combat, where fighters use every limb and weapon at their disposal. ‘How can I now, as one of the guys in this game who’s been up there, say, ‘Oh, I’m just going to go box?’ he asked. ‘I always said no because I felt like my legacy is already set in stone.’
Yet, Adesanya’s stance isn’t without nuance. He admitted, ‘Everyone has a number, and I think I got to my number two months ago.’ Could this hint at a potential shift in his thinking? While he insists he’s not chasing the belt anymore and plans to finish his career at the top in the UFC, the door isn’t entirely closed. ‘Maybe Turki [Alalshikh] can afford it,’ he joked, referencing the financial allure of a high-profile boxing match. But for now, he’s focused on his UFC legacy, leaving boxing to those like Darren Till, who are ‘doing their thing outside the UFC.’
Controversy Alert: Is Adesanya making the right call by skipping boxing? Or is he missing out on a chance to expand his legacy—and his bank account? Let’s spark a debate. Do you think Adesanya should stick to his guns and retire in the UFC, or is there a boxing match out there that could change his mind? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
