Israel Adesanya aims to face Sean Strickland again this fall, seeking a chance to reclaim his standing after a recent defeat. Following mixed fortunes in 2023, Adesanya is targeting a rematch to regain momentum and reestablish his dominance in the middleweight division.
Mixed Year for Adesanya: Triumph and Setback
In April 2023, Adesanya achieved a milestone by knocking out Alex Pereira in the second round at UFC 287, reclaiming the middleweight title and earning Knockout of the Year honors. However, just five months later at UFC 293, he lost the championship to Sean Strickland in a decisive effort that left Adesanya searching for answers. This defeat has clearly motivated him to seek redemption in their next encounter.
Insights from UFC Hall of Fame Ceremony
During the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame event, where Adesanya was inducted for his 2019 bout against Kelvin Gastelum, he openly discussed his plans to return to the octagon by September or October. When asked about the upcoming challenge against Strickland, Adesanya acknowledged some recent changes in Strickland’s condition but also expressed surprise at Strickland’s unusually low profile.
“I think he’s going through something,”
Adesanya said about Strickland.
“I haven’t really seen anything, but someone sent me a screenshot, like, ‘Oh, he’s fat now.’ I saw it and I was like, oh shit.”
—Israel Adesanya
Adesanya also reflected on Strickland’s mental state and unexpected silence:
“Sean’s a guy who definitely has a lot of old school stuff, trauma he has to deal with. We all go through shit. But for him, that’s easy. He should have just said something and start roasting me or whatever. That’s a Sean Strickland thing to do, but he’s been quiet.”
—Israel Adesanya
Showing his characteristic mix of humor and provocation, Adesanya added:
“Sean, it’s June, men’s mental health month. I hope you’re looking out for your mental health, and also looking out for your physical health. You fat bitch. [Laughs].”
—Israel Adesanya
Strickland’s Recent Controversy Could Affect Rematch Timing
Shortly after Adesanya’s remarks, Strickland was involved in a controversial incident at a Tuff-N-Uff event in Las Vegas, where he punched a fighter who had provoked him after defeating one of Strickland’s teammates. This outburst has raised questions about whether Strickland might face disciplinary action, which could delay or complicate plans for the much-anticipated rematch.
What’s Next for Adesanya and Strickland?
The potential rematch between Adesanya and Strickland carries high stakes for both fighters, with Adesanya eager to recover his title and Strickland preparing to defend his place at the top. The mixed signals from Strickland’s camp and his recent behavior add uncertainty to the timeline. Fans can expect the fall to be pivotal as Israel Adesanya pursues a comeback in the middleweight division, with the Sean Strickland rematch fall firmly on the horizon.