Adesanya-Pyfer to headline UFC Seattle in March

Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will return to action against Joe Pyfer in the main event of UFC Seattle on March 28, UFC CEO Dana White announced Tuesday.

Adesanya will step into the Octagon for the first time since a knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov last February. The 36-year-old has lost three in a row and four of his last five.

Adesanya is one of the greatest middleweights in UFC history. He held the division's title from 2019-22 and again in 2023, making five successful defenses.

Pyfer, ranked No. 15 in the weight class, is looking to enter title contention with a victory over Adesanya. The 29-year-old is riding a three-fight winning streak and is 6-1 in the promotion overall.

White also confirmed a previously reported rematch between ex-women's flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and Maycee Barber.