"I'm definitely past the halfway point of my career" – Israel Adesanya on his career and what lies ahead

Israel Adesanya recently gave an update on his career roadmap ahead of his sixth title defense in the promotion.

Israel Adesanya has been ruling the middleweight division of the UFC since 2019. 'The Last Stylebender' first secured the belt against Robert Whittaker with a knockout victory at UFC 243 in Australia. He has since then defended his belt five times and remains undefeated in the 185lbs division.

In fact, the only defeat of his professional career came at 205lbs. It was when 'The Last Stylebender' moved up to challenge Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight belt last year at UFC 259. Blachowicz defeated 'Izzy' via unanimous decision.

The Nigerian-born Kiwi is next scheduled to fight Alex Pereira at the main event of UFC 281 on 12 November. The event will take place at the historic Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Ahead of his clash against Pereira, Israel Adesanya opened up about his future career plans in a recent interview with Megan Anderson of ESPN MMA:

"I know I can do it [win the light heavyweight title]... Yeah, I just want to tick that one off right and then come back to 185 and rule with my Iron Black Fist... I am definitely past the halfway point of my career. I'm still loving this."

'Izzy' continued:

"I just want to keep beating everyone. I said this before I had even gone to the UFC. I love fighting. I love competing and testing myself against another trained killer... I'm not slowing down anytime soon."

You can check out Israel Adesanya's full interview below:

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Michael Bisping predicts how the Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira fight will unfold at UFC 281

In a recent episode of the Believe You Me podcast, Bisping stated that Israel Adesanya would attempt to secure a takedown against 'Poatan' in their upcoming match. According to 'The Count', 'The Last Stylebender' will try to prove his superiority and dominance in the game by taking Pereira down. Bisping said:

"If he [Adesanya] sees an opening, he might just do it [attempt a takedown] just to go, 'Ah! Look at that.' And even if he takes him [Pereira] down, [he might] not follow him down. Just like point [at Pereira] and go, 'Welcome to mixed martial arts son. I've been doing this game longer than you.' He'll do it just for like a quick ego thing."

You can check out the full episode of the Believe You Me podcast below: