Overview
- Head coach Eugene Bareman said in new interviews that Israel Adesanya "has to do some soul searching" to decide his next move after his latest defeat.
- Bareman pledged full support whether Adesanya retires or chooses to keep fighting, stressing their long partnership at City Kickboxing.
- Adesanya was knocked out by Joe Pyfer in round two in Seattle, marking his fourth straight loss and his fourth defeat in five since his last win in April 2023.
- Despite the TKO, judges scored the first round for Adesanya, which Bareman cited as a "glimmer" that must become sustained effort.
- Rankings have slipped, with reports placing him outside the top five but still in the top 10, as figures from Demetrious Johnson to many fans urge retirement and Adesanya insists he is "not f***ing leaving."