{
  "id": 17719453,
  "title": "Adesanya opens up on comeback, new contract",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/adesanya-opens-up-on-comeback-new-contract-17719453",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T01:34:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/adesanya-opens-up-on-comeback-new-contract/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has announced his return to the octagon and signed a new UFC contract, according to the Precision podcast. The 37-year-old, who has lost four consecutive fights since defeating Alex Pereira at UFC 287, expressed his excitement at regaining his passion for fighting after a challenging period. Adesanya stated, \"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.\"\n\nDuring his interview, Adesanya also hinted at a more aggressive return to the UFC, declaring, \"There is going to be blood in the sand. There will be blood in the sand, and it will not be me.\" This statement suggests that his next fight could take place in Abu Dhabi or Saudi Arabia, though no specific venue or opponent has been confirmed yet. Adesanya further revealed that he plans to compete approximately twice a year instead of four times once he decides to retire from fighting.",
  "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": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}