Ali Akbar Rosady
The reverberations of UFC Seattle continue to reshape the middleweight division, with former two-time champion Israel "The Last Stylebender" Adesanya experiencing an unprecedented fall from grace, dropping out of the top 10 in the latest MMA Fighting rankings after his fourth consecutive loss. This dramatic shift marks a significant turning point in the career of a fighter who, for years, dominated both the 185-pound and pound-for-pound charts, underscoring the relentless nature of elite mixed martial arts competition.
Adesanya’s recent bout at UFC Seattle against rising contender Joe Pyfer culminated in a second-round knockout, a decisive defeat that has prompted widespread discussion about the former champion’s future. The loss to Pyfer is the fourth straight for the 36-year-old New Zealander, whose last victory dates back to April 2023. This current streak includes high-profile defeats to Dricus du Plessis, Sean Strickland, and Nassourdine Imavov, each contributing to a pattern that has seen Adesanya, once considered among the sport’s most dominant strikers, struggle to maintain his former supremacy.
The bout against Pyfer at UFC Seattle proved particularly brutal. Pyfer, known for his aggressive style and knockout power, effectively neutralized Adesanya’s signature counter-striking. Early exchanges saw both fighters test the range, but it was Pyfer who landed a series of impactful strikes that visibly hurt Adesanya on the feet. Capitalizing on the moment, Pyfer initiated a relentless ground-and-pound assault that ultimately led to the referee stepping in to halt the contest in the second round, securing a definitive victory and a significant upset. This performance by Pyfer was not merely a win but a statement, solidifying his position as a legitimate threat in the division.
For Adesanya, the loss to Pyfer follows a challenging period that began with his championship defense against Dricus du Plessis. That fight, a highly anticipated clash, ended in a unanimous decision loss, marking the end of his second reign as middleweight champion. The defeat to du Plessis was followed by a stunning upset against Sean Strickland, where Adesanya lost the title for a second time via a dominant unanimous decision. Strickland’s disciplined pressure and effective striking dismantled Adesanya’s game plan, shocking many in the MMA community. A subsequent non-title bout against Nassourdine Imavov also resulted in a decision loss, further signaling a potential decline in Adesanya’s seemingly impenetrable form.
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Observers have noted a recurring theme in Adesanya’s recent performances: he often appears to be in control, displaying flashes of his former brilliance, only for the tide to turn abruptly. The consensus among analysts is that while his skill remains evident, a "fraction of a step" has been lost – perhaps in speed, reaction time, or defensive fluidity – with increasingly costly consequences. This perceived erosion of his once-unmatched athletic edge has been a critical factor in his recent defeats, transforming narrow leads into definitive losses.
The esteemed MMA Fighting panel, a collective of journalists and analysts, has responded to these developments by removing Adesanya from their top 10 middleweight rankings. This decision represents a stark contrast to his long tenure at the pinnacle of the sport, where he held the middleweight title for significant periods and consistently featured in pound-for-pound discussions. His journey from a dominant champion, celebrated for his innovative striking and captivating personality, to a fighter outside the top ten, serves as a poignant reminder of the unforgiving nature of combat sports, where sustained excellence is incredibly difficult to maintain over time.
While Adesanya’s path forward remains uncertain, he has publicly stated that he is not considering retirement from competition at this juncture. His determination to continue fighting suggests he believes he can still compete at the elite level, though the immediate challenge will be to rebuild his standing in a division that has rapidly evolved during his recent struggles.
The vacuum created by Adesanya’s departure from the top 10 has opened doors for new talent. Joe Pyfer, following his impressive victory over the former champion, has deservedly entered the top 10. His ascent is a testament to his consistent performances and the significant impact of his win over Adesanya. Joining him in the top 10 for the first time is Costello van Steenis, the reigning PFL champion. Van Steenis’s inclusion reflects his continued improbable rise, highlighted by a second, more definitive victory over Fabian Edwards at PFL Madrid. His consistent performances in the PFL, coupled with high-profile wins, have made his entry into the elite ranks undeniable.
The MMA Fighting’s updated 185-pound rankings now reflect these significant shifts, showcasing a dynamic and competitive division.
Recent Results for Ranked Fighters (previous ranking shown):
- No. 4 Sean Strickland def. No. 6 Anthony Hernandez: Strickland’s continued dominance post-Adesanya victory solidifies his position as a top contender, showcasing his boxing prowess and relentless pressure against a tough opponent.
- Joe Pyfer def. No. 7 Israel Adesanya: This pivotal victory catapults Pyfer into the top echelon, marking the most significant win of his career and signaling his arrival as a major force.
- No. 9 Caio Borralho def. No. 8 Reinier de Ridder: Borralho’s consistent performances continue to push him up the ranks, proving his mettle against established names like de Ridder and affirming his title aspirations.
- No. 11 Michael Page def. Sam Patterson (Welterweight bout): While Page secured a decisive win, this bout was contested in the welterweight division, leading to his eventual removal from the middleweight rankings as he commits to a lower weight class.
- No. 13 Costello van Steenis def. Fabian Edwards: Van Steenis’s second victory over Edwards, particularly the definitive nature of this win, underscores his readiness for elite competition and justifies his entry into the top 10.
- No. 15 Johnny Eblen def. Bryan Battle: Eblen, a dominant force in his own right, continues to rack up wins, maintaining his high standing and proving his consistent championship-level form.
Upcoming Bouts Featuring Ranked Fighters:
- No. 1 Khamzat Chimaev vs. No. 3 Sean Strickland (UFC 328, May 9): This highly anticipated clash between two of the division’s most formidable contenders is expected to have significant title implications, with the winner likely positioning themselves for a shot at the championship. Chimaev, known for his grappling dominance, faces Strickland’s boxing and pressure, promising a stylistic showdown.
- No. 7 Brendan Allen vs. Edmen Shahbazyan (UFC Vegas 118, June 6): Allen, riding a wave of impressive victories, looks to further solidify his contender status against Shahbazyan. A win here would propel Allen closer to the top five and potential title contention.
Falling out of the rankings (January 2026 ranking shown):
- No. 11 Michael Page: His successful return to the welterweight division means he is no longer considered a middleweight contender, opening up a spot in the 185-pound rankings.
- No. 14 Paulo Costa: A combination of inactivity and recent losses has seen Costa drop out of the top 15, reflecting the competitive nature of the division and the need for consistent activity to maintain a ranked position.
The current landscape of the UFC middleweight division is in a state of flux, with established veterans facing challenges from a new wave of contenders. Israel Adesanya’s recent struggles highlight the relentless evolution of the sport, where past achievements, no matter how grand, offer no guarantees against the relentless march of time and emerging talent. The coming months, with key matchups on the horizon, promise to further clarify the pecking order in one of MMA’s most compelling weight classes.
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