{
  "id": 17717499,
  "title": "Adesanya opens up on comeback, new contract",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/adesanya-opens-up-on-comeback-new-contract",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T01:20:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/adesanya-opens-up-on-comeback-new-contract/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has announced he will sign a new UFC contract and return to the octagon soon. The 37-year-old, who has lost four consecutive fights since defeating Alex Pereira in March, made the disclosure on the Precision podcast. Adesanya expressed excitement about his return, stating he missed the sport and feels renewed after a difficult period. \"I have missed this s—. The last three years have just not been fun. I have been lost. So, I am found again, and I just cannot wait to showcase everything,\" he said. Adesanya also hinted at a violent return, warning, \"There will be blood in the sand, and it will not be me.\" He previously stated he will not retire once he decides to walk away from fighting, planning to compete about twice a year instead of four times.",
  "summary": "Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has revealed that he has signed a new UFC contract and will return to the octagon fairly soon. Adesanya made the disclosure on the Precision podcast, confirming that he has put pen to paper on the deal for his comeback. The 37-year-old has lost four consecutive fights since he Read More:…",
  "key_points": [
    "Israel Adesanya signs new UFC contract.",
    "Middleweight champion returns to octagon soon.",
    "Adesanya excited to showcase his skills."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Committing to a new contract and a reduced fighting schedule signals a veteran athlete attempting to reclaim his competitive relevance after a prolonged period of professional struggle.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}