Israel Adesanya Targets Rematch with Sean Strickland After Setbacks

Las Vegas, NV — Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is aiming for a rematch with Sean Strickland, the fighter who ended his title reign. Adesanya, 34, has faced a challenging period in his career, with three consecutive losses marking his first losing streak in combat sports. Despite these setbacks, he remains focused and motivated.

“I know who, I have a feeling who I want to fight,” Adesanya stated in a recent YouTube video. “I have to get some get back. Strickland. I’m going to get him back.” The rivalry began with Strickland’s surprising victory over Adesanya in Sydney, where he claimed the UFC middleweight belt.

Following that defeat, Adesanya took time to analyze his performance and has identified areas to exploit in a potential rematch. “I’m quietly confident,” he said. “After watching the fight, I feel I see what went wrong.”

Chael Sonnen, an MMA analyst and former fighter, shared insights on Adesanya’s mindset. “He does not fight for world championships or money; he fights out of anger,” he explained. “The angry Izzy is the one you don’t want to face.”

Adesanya’s future remains uncertain, with questions about retirement arising. His coach Eugene Bareman expressed that it’s ultimately Adesanya’s decision. “If he’s going to fight again, then he’s going to fight again. If he’s not, we’ve been blessed,” Bareman said.

Strickland, now ranked No. 2 in the middleweight division, has remained respectful despite the rivalry, acknowledging Adesanya’s impact on the sport. As Adesanya pushes for a rematch, the anticipation builds for what could be one of the UFC’s most exciting fights.