Ronaldo Meets Adesanya, Urges Ex-Middleweight Champion To Early UFC Return

Nigeria-born New Zealand professional mixed martial artist, and kickboxer, Israel Mobolaji Temitayo Odunayo Oluwafemi Owolabi Adesanya, better known as Israel Adesanya, is up for an early return to UFC after meeting Al Nassr superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Naija News learned that Adesanya and the Portuguese football legend met in Saudi Arabia during the week, and the latter tried to convince the former middleweight champion to make an early return from his UFC break.

Adesanya had initially announced his intention to take a lengthy hiatus from active competition until at least 2027. However, his plans seemed to have changed on Saturday when he expressed interest in making his UFC debut in Saudi Arabia in March of next year.

This change of heart occurred during his attendance at the highly anticipated heavyweight boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, organized and promoted by Saudi Arabian officials. During the event, Adesanya had a chance encounter with Ronaldo, and their interaction was both pleasant and encouraging, Naija News understands.

Interestingly, Ronaldo reportedly encouraged the UFC star to consider participating in the upcoming UFC card in Saudi Arabia. Barring a last-minute change of plans, Adesanya ‘The Last Stylebender’ will likely be involved in the recently announced first-ever UFC event in Saudi Arabia in March 2024.

According to Sportskeeda, Ronaldo claimed to have seen the card and asked why Adesanya was not on it, and ‘Izzy’s attempts at explaining his hiatus fell flat as he embraced the former Manchester United player and seemed to be open to the idea of telling Ronaldo that if he didn’t fight, he would come watch.

In what seems to be an affirmation, Adesanya took to his social media page and expressed his inclination towards a potential opportunity to participate in a fight scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in the upcoming year, saying he was tempted.

“I appreciate the love from greats who recognize the realness,” Adesanya posted on his official X account, adding: “Saudi Arabia in March… tempting, hahaha.”

He had admitted in October that taking on a number of fights over the past year to get the most out of MMA during his career had caught up to him.

“Four fights in the last 14 months, it takes a toll on your body,’ he said, noting that he had seen the doctors and done specialist tests to get himself back ready for fighting.

“I’m just going to take my time to heal, and then when I come back, f**king run for the hills,” the 34-year-old said.