Nigerian-born UFC fighter Israel Adesanya has recorded his fourth consecutive loss in the promotion.
The former two-time middleweight champion faced Joe Pyfer in Washington on Saturday night, March 28, and was knocked out in the second round.
Adesanya, who came into the bout amid the worst run of his professional MMA career, made a bright start but was ultimately stopped within two rounds by the 14th-ranked contender in the 185lb division.
He took the opening round and appeared to push for a finish in the second, but the fight turned as Pyfer landed heavy strikes during a fierce exchange in the main event.
The 29-year-old then secured a takedown and dominated on the ground, unleashing a series of unanswered blows. Referee Herb Dean eventually halted the contest with 42 seconds remaining in round two.
Adesanya had been regarded as one of the sport’s top fighters following his knockout victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 287 in April 2023. However, that win marked the beginning of a difficult run that has now stretched into a prolonged losing streak.
He was previously defeated by Sean Strickland via unanimous decision at UFC 293, before Dricus du Plessis submitted him in August 2024 to retain the title he had won earlier.
The skid continued in February 2025 at UFC Saudi Arabia, where Nassourdine Imavov knocked him out in the opening round, leaving his career at a crossroads.
