Glover to oversee CAHB, IHF election News

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Glover to oversee CAHB, IHF election

By Daily Sports Nigeria on October 15, 2025

Israel Adesanya is preparing for a return to the octagon before the end of the year, according to his long-time coach Eugene Bareman, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The former UFC middleweight champion has endured a difficult spell in his career, losing three consecutive bouts since reclaiming the belt with a knockout of Alex Pereira in April 2023.

He was stunned by Sean Strickland in a major upset, submitted by Dricus du Plessis, and then stopped by Nassourdine Imavov earlier this year.

Despite speculation that the 36-year-old could be nearing retirement, Bareman insists Adesanya is fully focused on fighting again in the coming months.

Speaking on Submission Radio, the City Kickboxing head coach revealed that his fighter has returned to full-time training after taking a break following his most recent defeat.

Bareman explained that Adesanya is committed to preparing himself both physically and mentally for a comeback.

“Izzy, right now, had basically the start of the year off after the Imavov loss, and he has come back into training in the last couple of months. He’s training regularly, so he’s training every day, twice a day. And he needs to prepare his mind and body for a potential fight at the end of this year, and so that’s what he’s doing,” he said.

While the identity of his next opponent remains unclear, Bareman suggested that Adesanya would be open to any match-up that excites him.

“As far as opponents, I don’t know,” Bareman admitted.

“Izzy’s got a couple more in him, just give him a fun fight.

Give him something exciting. Give him something fun. I haven’t really thought about specific names, we should leave it to the fans, I guess.”

Speculation has already turned towards a rematch with Paulo Costa at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on 25 October, with reports indicating that the fight is in the works.

Adesanya knocked out Costa in their first meeting at UFC 253 in 2020, and another contest would provide him the opportunity to reignite his career against a familiar rival.

Although UFC president Dana White has yet to confirm the bout, the rematch is expected to feature on the main card at the Etihad Arena, with heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall also slated to defend his belt against Ciryl Gane.

Adesanya’s standing as the number five ranked middleweight means victory over Costa, who is currently ranked 13th, could put him straight back in the title picture under new champion Khamzat Chimaev.

Source Punch Ng

Posted October 15, 2025