‘The Last Stylebender’ seemingly has his next attempt to return to winning ways on the calendar.

It’s been three and a half years since former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya last had his hand raised in mixed martial arts.

His knockout win over Alex Pereira in April 2023 was followed by losses to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, and Nassourdine Imavov. Then, in March 2026, Adesanya was knocked out by Joe Pyfer.

The Nigerian-New Zealander dismissed the wave of retirement calls that came as a result of that setback, and his return is apparently now set for later this year.

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Ariel Helwani says Israel Adesanya vs Shara Magomedov is headlining UFC Saudi Arabia

The UFC’s third event in Saudi Arabia has undergone some date changes since it was announced, but it is now set for December 5.

February 2025 was the promotion’s second visit to Riyadh, and the card was headlined by Adesanya’s KO defeat to Imavov.

‘The Last Stylebender’ now appears in line for a chance at redemption in the Middle East, having reportedly been booked to headline again at the anb Arena.

During the latest episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, the Canadian reporter named a long-rumored bout between Adesanya and unranked middleweight prospect Shara Magomedov as the main event while discussing the hostilities in the region less than two months out from the card.

If the bout is official, the 17-1 Dagestani will have gotten his wish granted by Dana White and co.

Magomedov called out Adesanya after UFC Baku in June, where the 32-year-old beat Michel Pereira to extend his promotional record to 6-1.

Magomedov’s one pro loss came against the now-departed Michael ‘Venom’ Page on the undercard of Adesanya’s UFC Saudi Arabia headliner 20 months ago.

Having seen the striking style of ‘MVP’ comfortably get the better of Magomedov, Adesanya will be hoping to have the same success en route to a much-needed first victory since 2023.