Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland took place at UFC 293. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFC
After a tough defeat at the hands of Sean Strickland when attempting to defend his middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg), Israel Adesanya made no secret of his desire to have the chance to avenge his rival before retiring. After suffering two more losses in his career and pleading for the opportunity to face the American again, the former champion seems to have grown tired of waiting.
In addition to Strickland's suspension, which only allows him to return in mid-November, the fighter has expressed no reciprocal interest in facing Adesanya again. Keeping an eye on the situation, the Nigerian has opted to declare that he will no longer wait for the opportunity and has opened the door to other opponents, although he did not name them.
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“I’m not surprised. If you want something to work, make it work the first time. That’s the lesson I’ve learned. He’s done other things in his life, made the money he wanted, but I don’t want to just sit around waiting, I want to move forward and fight. We’ll see who it’s against, but I just want to fight,” Adesanya declared during an interview with Submission Radio.
Currently ranked fifth in the division, Adesanya is looking to return to winning ways after suffering three consecutive losses in his career with the organization. In February of this year, the fighter was knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov and has since been asking for a chance to have a rematch against Strickland.
On the other hand, the American avoided mentioning his rival's name, expressing interest in competing again before the last event of 2025. So far, the organization has not officially announced any opponent for the former champion.
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