Israel Adesanya will headline the UFC’s return to Seattle, Washington, on March 28 at the Climate Pledge Arena, facing rising contender Joe Pyfer in a crucial middleweight bout, according to reports. The fight will be broadcast on Paramount+.
For the former two-time UFC middleweight champion, the Seattle card represents a key opportunity to reclaim his status among the division’s elite following recent setbacks, including a dramatic title loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 281. A victory over Pyfer would reinforce Adesanya’s star power and mark another step in his ongoing journey of redemption and reinvention inside the Octagon.
Adesanya, Nigerian-born and a decorated striker, entered the UFC in 2018 with an 11-0 record, carrying championship experience from Australia’s Hex Fight Series and AFC promotions as well as an extensive kickboxing résumé.
He quickly made an impact with a knockout over Rob Wilkinson in his debut, followed by victories over Marvin Vettori, Brad Tavares, and Derek Brunson that propelled him into the middleweight top tier.
In 2019, Adesanya claimed interim gold after a thrilling decision win over Kelvin Gastelum and unified the middleweight title with a knockout of Robert Whittaker later that year. He successfully defended the belt against Yoel Romero, Paulo Costa, Vettori, Whittaker, and Jared Cannonier, establishing himself as one of the sport’s premier champions.
Seeking to expand his legacy, Adesanya moved up to light heavyweight to challenge Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259 but lost via decision. The rivalry with former kickboxing nemesis Alex Pereira resurfaced at UFC 281, where Adesanya surrendered his title despite leading on the scorecards entering the fifth round.
The upcoming Seattle event marks only the second UFC visit to the city since 2013.
Eleven bouts have been confirmed, but the spotlight will remain firmly on Adesanya, as fans anticipate whether “The Last Stylebender” can reassert his dominance and continue his remarkable career trajectory.
