Adesanya Eager to Return After String of Losses
Israel Adesanya is notably eager to step back into the Octagon. His last triumph dates back over two years, when he secured a thunderous knockout against Alex Pereira to reclaim the middleweight title. However, since that victory, Adesanya has faced a series of defeats: a shocking loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293, followed by a submission defeat against Dricus du Plessis in their title bout in Perth, and most recently, a knockout by Nassourdine Imavov in Saudi Arabia this past February.
Despite suggestions of retirement following his brutal loss to Imavov, the Nigerian-New Zealander quickly reaffirmed his commitment to fighting. Initially, he had a specific target in mind, expressing a strong desire for a rematch with a former opponent to avenge a pivotal loss.
Moving On From Strickland: Adesanya Open to All Opponents
Sean Strickland`s victory over Adesanya in Sydney is widely regarded as one of the most significant upsets in UFC history, and `The Last Stylebender` had been keen to avenge it. Earlier this year, Adesanya publicly called out Strickland for a rematch, indicating that a second encounter with the American was the only fight that truly interested him.
However, Strickland ignored these callouts, and his UFC return was subsequently delayed due to a suspension stemming from an incident where he attacked a regional fighter while cornering a teammate. With the prospect of a Strickland rematch fading, Adesanya has broadened his search for an opponent. He has “moved on” from his former rival and is now prepared to face anyone.
“I mean, I’m not surprised,” Adesanya told Submission Radio when asked about Strickland`s silence. “If you want to get something done right, do it right the first time. That’s the lesson I learned.” He added, “He’s doing other things in his own life. He’s made the money he wanted to make. I don’t want to be waiting around. I’ve moved on. I just want to fight…I’m staying ready for any and everyone.”
Adesanya Analyzes Imavov vs. Chimaev Potential Matchup
Although Adesanya is currently outside the immediate middleweight title picture, he remains closely observant of the developments at the top of his longtime division. He recently watched as Nassourdine Imavov, his most recent opponent, secured another victory against Caio Borralho at UFC Paris, seemingly positioning himself for a shot at Khamzat Chimaev.
Should this fight materialize, Adesanya believes the French contender has a strong chance. “I’m not gonna count out Imavov now, because of his takedown defense,” Adesanya stated on his YouTube channel. “If he can take away the wrestling from Khamzat, he’ll give him problems. That’s all you have to do. Khamzat can strike, but I see what I see.”
“His wrestling is his main weapon, and he commits a lot to the wrestling. He gets the f—ing grip, he takes people down, and keeps them down. If Nassourdine can get past that, he’ll give Khamzat problems,” Adesanya elaborated. “Right now, Khamzat is on point, and he’s got the momentum behind him. So has Imavov. Who will win? We’ll see.”
