Former UFC champion Israel Adesanya is reportedly in line for a UFC return in December, with a potential main-event clash against Shara Magomedov in Saudi Arabia.
Journalist Ariel Helwani revealed the proposed matchup on his show on October 14. He named December 5 as the date for the card in Saudi Arabia. However, neither the UFC nor either fighter has confirmed the bout.
Adesanya has not fought since March 28. Joe Pyfer stopped him in the second round in Seattle. The 37-year-old has now lost his last four fights. His most recent victory came against Alex Pereira at UFC 287 in April 2023, when he won by knockout.
The Israel Adesanya UFC return speculation comes after a difficult run for the former middleweight champion. Sean Strickland first defeated him by unanimous decision in September 2023 to claim his title. Dricus du Plessis then submitted him in the fourth round in August 2024. Nassourdine Imavov followed with a second-round knockout in February 2025.
Adesanya will hope to regain his winning form if the reported December matchup goes ahead. However, fans must wait for official confirmation from the UFC and the fighters.
