Israel Adesanya is expected to return to the UFC this year, with multiple outlets reporting that he may fight Shara Magomedov at UFC Saudi Arabia on December 5, 2026. The reporting cites Ariel Helwani, while the UFC has not officially confirmed the matchup.
The reports note that Adesanya is coming off a four-fight losing streak, following a run that has prompted renewed public debate about his future. Fans and commentators are reportedly questioning whether another loss would accelerate calls for retirement, while a win would help restore momentum. Alongside the fight talk, Yahoo Sports also points to Adesanya making changes to his coaching setup earlier this year as he prepares for his next bout.
Overall, the outlets align on the opponent and the proposed event date, but differ mainly in emphasis—some focus more on the looming retirement pressure, while others stress the likelihood of a booked bout and Adesanya’s preparations.
