It was only Friday eve that I claimed Israel Adesanya’s Sunday fight was do or die. A win could’ve put him back in contention for a title. A win could have proved critics wrong.
Hearts were shattered as a TKO saw Izzy go out 30 seconds into the second round as Nassourdine Imavov handed him his third consecutive loss.
Izzy had a hot and heavy first round, not just winning it, but dominating it. He delivered some punishing leg kicks and executed incredible takedown defense.
In the words of the UFC CEO Dana White “he couldn’t have had a better first round, and then he just got caught.”
Being put another step away from a title and from the conversation of relevancy, it begs the question - is it time to hang up the gloves?
Izzy is a stubborn man, so exiting the ring once and for all isn’t as likely as you’d assume. “I’m not f**ing leaving until I want to leave,” were his words post-fight.
Critics and fans alike have not bit their tongue in terms of sharing their thoughts on Izzy’s next steps.
The common denominator: retirement.
UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping was vocal too, “It looks like it might be the beginning of the end of an incredible career.”
Izzy was non-committal on the topic, keeping things elusive with comments like “It’s still my destiny. It’s not about the belt… It’s about doing what I want to do in this game to close the show… I still got a long way to go” and “Who knows what happens?”
It got weirder later that night, when he shared to X “I’ll be back, gone to get some milk.”
As much as I want to see the 35-year-old Izzy continue his legacy forever, concern for his future is looming.
But what could his next steps look like? There are lots of options.
Work at a supermarket
If he's gone to get milk, and the length of time he's been gone matches the usual standard for that joke, he may as well chuck on a Woolies outfit and get to work. Won’t pay the same, but it’s something.
Retire and return again
A common theme among MMA/UFC retired fighters is that the boredom itches too hard they make a grand return. Fighters like Georges St. Pierre, Randy Couture, Conor McGregor and Brock Lesnar all did this successfully. Given Izzy’s tendency to be very ‘out there’ and his goal for longevity, this may not be a bad option.
Embark on a coaching career
Plenty of ex-MMA/UFC fighters put their intelligent brains and withered bodies to work elsewhere by coaching the next generation. Izzy has the analytical mind to be a successful coach, so I deeply hope this is something he considers. For someone as passionate about fighting as Izzy is, it's a great way to stay connected post retirement.
Become a UFC commentator
Izzy has an electric personality, with no shame in what he says publicly. He is also extremely adored by the entire UFC community. Talk about a recipe for success! Someone chuck a headset on this guy - I’d immediately tune in.
Start the influencer life
Again, he’s got the personality for it. He already has a YouTube channel with over one million subscribers. He could use his platform and adored following as a catalyst for a successful influencer career.
Obviously, seeing Izzy say goodbye is not something anyone wants to see. His plans for his future remain unknown even to himself.
I don’t know. I just have to chill and then think about things. I’ll relax for a bit first… see what I wanna do. I was gonna do that anyways but now I’m forced to. Shoutout to Nassourdine for that.
Izzy won’t let the negativity get to him, knowing “everything happens for a reason.” This mindset will carry him into the next phase of his life and career, as he decides what his next move is.
Izzy mate - if you need, there is a list above to help you decide!
