A fighter who hasn’t competed since September of 2024 earned a huge win on his return to the cage.
On March 28, Israel Adesanya will look to rebound from his three-fight skid by earning his first victory since UFC 287 in 2023.
Facing a rising contender like Joe Pyfer marks a significant moment in the former two-time champion’s career.
Adesanya has spoken about how he would like to retire, with the end of his career sure to be a big talking point when he arrives in Seattle next month.
‘The Last Stylebender’ has already put together a stellar career, having debuted inside the Octagon in 2018 against an opponent who was in action on February 7.
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Luke Trainer’s long-awaited return sees him submit former PFL champion Rob Wilkinson
Alfie Davis wants to punish Usman Nurmagomedov when they meet in the main event of PFL’s latest event in Dubai later today.
The card is one of the best that the promotion has put together, with a former champion making the walk in just the third bout of the evening.
In 2018, Israel Adesanya defeated Rob Wilkinson in Perth, Australia to introduce himself to UFC fans.
This was the Australian’s last fight inside the Octagon, though he went on to achieve great success in the PFL, winning the light heavyweight tournament in 2022 to become a millionaire.
Wilkinson arrived in Dubai in need of a win following back-to-back losses to Dovlet Yagshimuradov and Phil Davis, but it wasn’t meant to be for the 33-year-old.
In his long-awaited return, England’s Luke Trainer was able to counter his opponent’s grappling by catching him in a guillotine choke just under four minutes into the opening round.
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Luke Trainer used his statement win to call for a title shot
Following his one and only loss as a professional in 2022, Luke Trainer has won five consecutive fights, with four of them ending via submission in the first round.
Taking out a former PFL veteran in Rob Wilkinson like that was a huge statement for ‘The Gent’ to make after such a long break in activity.
He used his time on the mic wisely to send a message to the matchmakers about what he wants after this win.
“I want the title shot next,” Trainer told Dan Hardy in the cage. “Mr Mike Kogan, sorry it was a slow start brother, I’ve been out for a year, a little bit rusty, trust me, the next one I’m going to be fresh.
“Get me in the summer, get me on the Madrid card if you want. Let’s flipping go, man. I want that belt or someone in the top three to smash and then give me the belt.”