Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is scheduled to headline UFC Seattle against rising contender Joe Pyfer on March 28th next at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, according to the promotion. 

The  bout represents the 36-year-old Adesanya’s return to action after dropping four of his past five contests in the cage, most recently a knockout loss against Nassourdine Imavov a little under a year ago. By comparison, Pyfer has won 8 of 9 with his last defeat coming via decision to Jack Hermansson in February 2024. Since then he was won three straight contests in the Octagon.

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the bout on Tuesday, placing Adesanya and Pyfer in the five-round main event at the March Fight Night card.

“Aaaah sh*t… here we go again!” said Israel Adesanya of the bout on social media.

Joe Pyfer also reacted to the matchup announcement on social media, acknowledging Adesanya’s legacy and underscoring his own preparation and ambitions ahead of the headline fight. “I’m blessed for the opportunity against one of the greatest middleweights of all time,” Pyfer stateed on Instagram. “Little Joey P is on his way. Hard f*cking work incoming. Self belief and faith can pull any man out of a dark time. Let’s go get this sh*t!!!”

The announcement also included confirmation of a co-main event flyweight bout between former champion Alexa Grasso and Maycee Barber, adding further interest to the UFC Seattle lineup.

Additional bouts and the finalised full fight card for UFC Seattle have not yet been released by the promotion, with officials indicating that more matchups will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

UFC Seattle marks the organisation’s return to the Pacific Northwest, with this edition of Fight Night expected to draw attention due to the mix of established stars and rising contenders on the card.