Adesanya Gets Major Backing Ahead of Magomedov Clash as Whittaker Makes Bold Prediction

According to Punch, November 14, 2026, former middleweight contender Robert Whittaker has tipped Israel Adesanya to return to winning ways when he faces Shara Magomedov at UFC Saudi Arabia on December 5.

Whittaker believes Adesanya has what it takes to end his recent losing streak, insisting that the Nigerian-born fighter must rediscover the focus and confidence that made him one of the leading names in the sport.

Speaking on the MMArcade podcast, Whittaker said he expects Adesanya to deliver a convincing performance against Magomedov.

“I think the real fight here is Israel versus himself. I want to see Izzy come in the way Izzy of old, you know, his head switched on, focus, laser focus. I think he beats the brakes off Shara, to be honest. I have Izzy all day,” he said.

The fight is scheduled to headline UFC Saudi Arabia at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, with Adesanya looking to put an end to a difficult run that has seen him suffer four consecutive defeats.

Since knocking out Alex Pereira at UFC 287, Adesanya has lost to Sean Strickland, Nassourdine Imavov, Dricus Du Plessis and Joe Pyfer. Three of those losses ended before the final bell.

His defeat to Pyfer had raised questions about whether the 37-year-old would return to the Octagon. However, Adesanya has since signed a new contract with the UFC and made changes to his training camp.

He has described the changes as one of the best experiences of his career and has also promised “blood in the sand” ahead of his return.

Whittaker is familiar with Adesanya’s fighting ability, having faced him twice during their time in the middleweight division. Adesanya won their first meeting by technical knockout in 2019 before securing a decision victory in their 2022 rematch.

Despite their past rivalry, both fighters have since settled their differences and maintained a good relationship.

Meanwhile, Magomedov will be hoping to spoil Adesanya’s comeback plans. The rising fighter has recorded victories over Michel Pereira, Marc-Andre Barriault and Armen Petrosyan.

He also recovered from his first professional defeat, which came against Michael Page in February.

Whittaker, who has since moved up to the light heavyweight division, is expected to face Bogdan Guskov in Australia in February.

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