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Don't expect to see Adesanya fighting beyond the year 2028.
New Zealand professional mixed martial artist and kickboxer of Nigerian descent Israel Mobolaji Adesanya has revealed plans for his retirement.
The 33-year-old Adesanya, born in Lagos, Nigeria has set a five-year target for him to retire from Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
Adesanya made his plan known about quitting MMA at a press conference in Perth Australia.
The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight title holder expects to be ready to walk away from the sport in 2028.
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Adesanya set to retire in 5 years
The Nigerian lost the UFC Middleweight title to long-term rival, Brazilian Alex Pereira last year.
Pereriara already defeated him twice in kickboxing back in 2015 and 2016. Another victory in the octagon at Madison Square Garden in New York meant that Adesanya has now lost three times to the Brazilian.
Recently Adesanya celebrated his first fight in the UFC five years ago against Rob Wilkinson in Perth, Australia.
The New Zealand star produced an outstanding showing as he used his knees to record a technical knockout victory.
Adesanya now expects another five years at the top level in the UFC after questions he might quit if he suffers another loss to Pereira.'
He said, “I’ve been in the UFC five years, right? Adesanya said during a press conference in Australia while discussing his upcoming rematch with Pereira.
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“If I’m being honest, I’m not gonna be here in five years. I have other things to do in life. I love this sh*t and I’m f**king great at it but I never attach myself to this and I'm gonna leave on top.
“So yeah, that's the place where I feel like you should leave. But again, I've been here five years in the UFC, it went like that. We’ll see how long I’m here for but I don’t think it's gonna be five years,? Adesanya said.
Adesanya is now a fan favorite and currently the second-highest-paid fighter in the UFC behind Conor McGregor.
The style bender returns to action in a rematch against Pereria scheduled for Sunday, April 9 in Miami.
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