Four straight losses, a split from City Kickboxing, and a promise of blood in the sand. The former two-time middleweight champion says he has his motivation back.

Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya confirmed he has signed a contract for his next fight, expressing renewed motivation after a challenging three-year stretch. Speaking on his Precision Podcast with Demetrious Johnson, the 37-year-old fighter hinted at a bout in Saudi Arabia, promising "blood in the sand." His return is widely reported to be a UFC Fight Night headliner against Shara Magomedov in Riyadh in early December, though the UFC has not yet officially announced the matchup.

Adesanya currently faces a four-fight losing streak, having suffered consecutive defeats to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Joe Pyfer following his last win against Alex Pereira in April 2023. The upcoming contest will mark his first bout since leaving his longtime gym, City Kickboxing, in July 2026, ending a 17-year partnership with coach Eugene Bareman.