Sean Strickland’s chances of facing Israel Adesanya in a highly anticipated rematch have been put on hold after Strickland received an indefinite suspension. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) extended his suspension following an incident at a recent MMA event. This development disrupts the possibility of the two fighters meeting soon, despite ongoing calls from Adesanya for a rematch.
The two fighters first met at UFC 293 in 2023, where Strickland pulled off an upset by defeating the then-middleweight champion Adesanya. Given the unexpected outcome, a rematch was widely expected to happen. Earlier this year, Adesanya publicly challenged Strickland again, with both fighters coming off recent losses and the timing appearing fit for another showdown. However, Strickland has not responded to those calls.
Details Surrounding Strickland’s Suspension and Incident
Strickland’s suspension stems from an altercation at a smaller MMA event, where he entered the cage and punched a fighter who had just submitted his teammate. The NSAC had initially suspended Strickland on July 3 but recently decided unanimously to extend the suspension pending further investigation. The next disciplinary hearing or agreement session for Strickland will not occur until at least August during the NSAC’s monthly meeting. Until the matter is resolved, the UFC is unable to schedule a bout for Strickland, leaving his future in the promotion uncertain.
Israel Adesanya Expresses Doubts About Securing the Fight
Adesanya has publicly voiced his frustration and skepticism about Strickland’s willingness to accept a rematch. On his YouTube channel, the former champion questioned Strickland’s apparent preference to face other opponents, despite repeated challenges from Adesanya himself.
I’ve called this dude out how many times but now he wants to fight Belal (Muhammad) but why, I don’t understand. He’s never said anything but again, it’s easy money come on, you beat me once, do it again, come on, it’s easy money, you’ll be fine,
Adesanya said.
I just want the fight anyway I think it’ll be a good fight. I want that fight, it’s a big fight for him and I just want that fight again just for me, because look, (Alex) Pereira beat me how many times and I accepted it… I just want to make sure I did this right, just one more time,
he added.
Adesanya’s Career Options Narrow as Rematch Remains Uncertain
With three consecutive losses, including a decisive defeat to Nassourdine Imavov, Adesanya faces a challenging period in his career. Pursuing a middleweight title run now appears unlikely. Still, securing a win over Strickland would provide Adesanya an important boost and could open several new opportunities within the division. At present, few viable opponents seem to match the stakes and significance that a rematch with Strickland would offer.
The indefinite suspension of Strickland not only delays this key contest but also fuels speculation regarding his future in the sport. As both fighters stand at critical crossroads, the outcome of the NSAC’s pending hearings will likely shape the trajectory of their careers and the middleweight division’s landscape in the near term.