Israel Adesanya’s UFC Seattle loss reminds Hall of Famer of Anderson Silva’s late career decline

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya’s recent skid could point to a steep fall from grace comparable to Anderson Silva.

Former UFC champion Israel Adesanya’s ongoing losing skid continued last Saturday at UFC Seattle as he lost to Joe Pyfer in the main event by second-round TKO. Despite an encouraging start against Pyfer, Adesanya faltered in Round 2, as Pyfer landed several damaging blows on the feet and ground.

While it was a coming-out party for Pyfer, it was potentially the signal that Adesanya’s best days in Mixed Martial Arts might be permanently in the rear-view mirror. Adesanya has lost four fights in a row since a legendary knockout win over Alex Pereira at UFC 287.

Another former UFC middleweight champion believes Adesanya’s steep decline draws striking parallels to the fall of arguably the division’s greatest combatant.

Michael Bisping ‘wishes’ Israel Adesanya retired at UFC Seattle to avoid Anderson Silva-like fall

In a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping assessed the state of Adesanya’s career after UFC Seattle.

“We never thought we’d be here, but that’s exactly where we are,” Bisping said of Adesanya’s decline.

“When you look at the career he’s had, the pressure on his shoulders to get back to that version of himself and be world-class, and to become the champion again. Who cares? He’s been there, done that…but for pride, to show the world that he can still win and to show everyone that he still has it and is still that guy, that’s what he wanted to do, and that’s not what happened…I wish in a way that Israel would’ve retired on Saturday night, and said you know what? I did it, achieved my goals, came to Mixed Martial Arts and become the champion.

“Fair play to the guy [for not retiring]. He’s getting older, slowing down, and sometimes fighters need protection from themselves,” Bisping continued on Adesanya. “Is he going to continue fighting the best guys and losing? Again and again? It takes balls to keep getting back in there and chasing that thrill and trying to get that victory…there’s parallels between Israel Adesanya and what happened with Anderson Silva. Greatest middleweight of all-time, and Izzy’s number two, but Anderson had a fall from grace and by the end, it was six in a row that he lost. It would be sad to see that happen to Israel, but his legacy is already set in stone.”

Coincidentally, Adesanya played a huge role in Silva’s late-career struggles. Adesanya defeated Silva by unanimous decision at UFC 234, before winning his first title fight in his next Octagon appearance.

Will Israel Adesanya bounce back following UFC Seattle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!