Legendary Portuguese football player Cristiano Ronaldo has made an attempt to persuade Israel Adesanya to return early from his break in the UFC. The meeting took place in Saudi Arabia.
After suffering a defeat in September, the former two-time middleweight champion had announced his plans for a long break from active competition, possibly until 2027.
However, during a recent visit to Saudi Arabia, Adesanya showed interest in making a comeback after learning about a planned UFC debut in the country in March of next year.
Adesanya, who was among the high-profile celebrities and athletes attending the Saudi Arabian organizers’ boxing event featuring Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, had an encounter with Ronaldo at the event. The Al Nassr striker urged ‘The Last Stylebender’ to participate in the upcoming UFC card in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo, having seen the card, asked why Adesanya was not on it and the conversation ensued. Adesanya’s explanation for his hiatus did not convince Ronaldo, as he embraced the former Real Madrid man and seemed open to the idea of watching if Adesanya chose not to fight.
Adesanya, seemingly reconsidering his break from mixed martial arts, expressed his temptation to participate in the Saudi Arabia fight next year. He took to his official X account and posted, “I appreciate the love from greats who recognize the realness! Saudi Arabia in March… tempting hahaha.”
In October, Adesanya had admitted that competing in multiple fights over the past year had taken a toll on his body. He mentioned seeking medical advice and undergoing specialized tests to prepare himself for a comeback.
“I’m going to take my time to heal, and then when I come back, f**king run for the hills,” the 34-year-old fighter stated.
