Israel Adesanya the underdog in UFC return against Joe Pyfer

The UFC returns to Seattle on March 28, 2026 with UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Pyfer at the Climate Pledge Arena, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about Fight Night events of the year. In the main event, former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya will take on rising contender Joe Pyfer in a five-round middleweight showdown that has captured both intrigue and controversy heading into fight week.

Adesanya’s Return: Legacy vs. Momentum

Adesanya’s appearance in Seattle marks his return after a challenging stretch in the Octagon. The Nigerian-born striker, one of the most respected champions in UFC history, has faced adversity in recent years, seeing a three-fight losing streak that includes setbacks to Sean Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis and most recently Nassourdine Imavov — the latter ending in a second-round TKO.

Once a fixture atop the middleweight division with six successful title defenses and iconic performances that helped define the sport, Adesanya’s form has dipped enough that, for the first time in his storied career, he enters a UFC fight as the betting underdog. According to recent odds, Joe Pyfer is currently a slight favorite over Adesanya, marking a rare shift in public and betting market perception of the veteran star.

For fans and pundits, this fight is about more than rankings — it’s a crossroads moment. At 36 years old, Adesanya is still a world-class striker with unmatched precision and fight IQ when he’s at his best. But questions about his recent performances, age and ring rust have created a narrative where Pyfer’s momentum overshadows Adesanya’s name value heading into Seattle.

Joe Pyfer: The Surging Challenger

On the other side of the Octagon, Joe Pyfer (15-3) enters this fight as one of the most exciting contenders in the middleweight ranks. A product of Dana White’s Contender Series, Pyfer quickly made his mark in the UFC with a string of finishes and explosive performances early in his career. After overcoming a setback to Jack Hermansson in his first main event, Pyfer has rattled off three consecutive wins, including a finish over Abus Magomedov and a decision over former title-challenger Kelvin Gastelum.

Pyfer’s blend of boxing power, physicality and finishing instincts have made him a rising threat. For many fans, Adesanya represents a defining test — not just because of his name, but because he embodies the peak of middleweight striking excellence that Pyfer is trying to surpass.

Seattle Card — Other Key Fights

While Adesanya vs. Pyfer anchors the night, UFC Seattle features several compelling matchups that promise a full evening of high-stakes action:

• Alexa Grasso vs. Maycee Barber 2 — A women’s flyweight rematch between two elite contenders looking to break back into title contention. Grasso edged the first fight in 2021, and Barber enters with momentum after a recent win.

• Michael Chiesa vs. Carlston Harris — A seasoned welterweight clash with both men seeking to push back into the top-15 conversation.

• Marcin Tybura vs. Valter Walker — Heavyweights collide as both look to build or regain traction in one of the sport’s deepest divisions.

• Casey O’Neill vs. Gabriella Fernandes and Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Yousri Belgaroui are among the other intriguing preliminary bouts that could shape future matchups.

What’s at Stake

For Adesanya, a win over Pyfer would be a significant reclamation of status — a statement that he’s still one of the sport’s elite and capable of competing at the top of the middleweight picture despite recent losses. It may even open doors for another run at divisional gold or a high-profile matchup down the road.

Conversely, a victory for Pyfer would thrust him into immediate title contention and solidify his place among the division’s rising stars. With the middleweight title picture always in flux, momentum coming out of Seattle could be pivotal for matchmaking later in 2026.

As fight week ramps up, the buzz around UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Pyfer continues to build. Whether Seattle becomes the night Israel Adesanya silences his doubters — or the moment Joe Pyfer announces himself as a new force at 185 pounds — the March 28 event promises fireworks from start to finish.