For Adesanya (24-5), the Seattle card presents another opportunity to reaffirm his elite status in a division he once ruled with style and dominance. Adesanya entered the UFC in 2018 with an unblemished 11-0 professional record, already boasting championship pedigree from Australia’s Hex Fight Series and AFC promotions. The Nigerian-born striker also carried a decorated kickboxing résumé, including two challenges for the Glory Middleweight title, before fully committing to mixed martial arts. Seeking double-champion status, Adesanya moved up to challenge light heavyweight titleholder Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259 but suffered his first professional defeat via decision. Now, as the UFC returns to Seattle for only the second time since 2013, Adesanya stands at another defining moment.

Source: Forbes February 16, 2026 04:58 UTC