Israel Adesanya is aiming for a rematch with Sean Strickland later this year, targeting the fall for their second encounter.
The year 2023 proved to be a rollercoaster for Adesanya. In April, he delivered a spectacular knockout victory over his rival, Alex Pereira, at UFC 287, reclaiming the middleweight championship and earning Knockout of the Year honors. However, just five months later at UFC 293, Adesanya lost the title in a one-sided fight against Strickland. Now, “The Last Stylebender” is keen to avenge that loss.
Speaking on the red carpet at the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame ceremony, where he was being inducted for his 2019 bout with Kelvin Gastelum, Adesanya confirmed his hope to face Strickland again in September or October.
Adesanya offered his thoughts on Strickland`s recent demeanor. “I think he’s going through something,” he speculated when asked about the potential fall fight. He noted that Strickland has been unusually quiet, which is out of character for the outspoken fighter. Adesanya mentioned seeing a screenshot suggesting Strickland had gained weight and playfully urged him to look after both his mental and physical health, concluding with a lighthearted jab, “You fat bitch.”
Strickland’s silence didn`t last long, however. Shortly after Adesanya`s comments, Strickland was involved in another controversy, storming the cage and physically confronting a fighter at a Tuff-N-Uff event. The potential for a suspension following this incident could pose a challenge to Adesanya’s plans for a fall rematch.
