
Despite a TKO loss at UFC Seattle, former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya received a significant outpouring of support, notably from acclaimed singer Zayn Malik. On Saturday, Adesanya faced his fourth consecutive UFC defeat, falling to the surging Joe Pyfer.
The start of the UFC Seattle main event for Adesanya, the Nigerian-born Kiwi, was promising. He displayed sharpness and precision, showcasing impressive takedown defense and agile footwork. His accurate jabs and calf kicks kept Pyfer on the back foot.

However, in the second round, the tide of the fight turned. Pyfer began to aggressively pressure Adesanya, dictating the pace and landing powerful strikes, including a series of heavy uppercuts. In the latter half of Round 2, Pyfer managed to take Adesanya to the canvas, attempting a rear-naked choke. When that failed, “Bodybagz” unleashed a barrage of powerful ground and pound on the 37-year-old, leaving him bloodied.
Adesanya was forced to cover up and had no answer for these potent blows, prompting the referee to halt the fight moments later, declaring Pyfer the winner by TKO in Round 2.

While many fans and analysts speculated that “The Last Stylebender” might consider retirement after four straight losses, Adesanya made it clear post-fight that he has no plans to step away anytime soon. He declared:
“You just keep going again and again and again. I’m not f***ing leaving, you’ll never stop me. I might get beaten, but I’ll always remain undefeated.”
Check out Israel Adesanya’s comments below:
Israel Adesanya has no plans on retiring anytime soon
‘You keep going. Again, and again, and again. I’m not f*cking leaving. You’ll never stop me!
I might get beat, but I’ll always remain undefeated.’ #UFCSeattlepic.twitter.com/nhKP6bV2UX
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 29, 2026
Zayn Malik sends a message to Israel Adesanya
Following the dramatic bout, support flowed in from various figures. Zayn Malik, the renowned singer, posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account:
“@stylebender you’re still the goat bro !!
”
@stylebender you’re still the goat bro !!
— zayn (@zaynmalik) March 29, 2026
Former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou also extended his support to Adesanya, writing on X:
“Keep your head up @stylebender
”
What the fuck man
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Keep your head up @stylebender
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) March 29, 2026

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