Adesanya Eyes Redemption Against Strickland

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is determined to bounce back from recent losses, with a rematch against Sean Strickland firmly in his sights.

Adesanya, who suffered a unanimous decision loss to Strickland at UFC 293—ending his second reign as middleweight champion—is now focused on setting the record straight. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, “The Last Stylebender” revealed his renewed hunger for competition after a sparring session with close friend and former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.

“I told Hunter [Campbell] and my coach—it’s time,” Adesanya said. “I know who I want to fight. You’ll like this one. I gotta get some get back. Strickland. I’m gonna get him back.”

Adesanya (24-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) last fought in February 2025, where he came up short against Nassourdine Imavov in his first non-title bout since 2019. The fight marked a new chapter for Adesanya after 12 consecutive title bouts, prompting many to speculate whether his prime has passed.

While he acknowledges the need to adjust his training and pace as an older fighter, Adesanya insists he’s far from done. Drawing inspiration from fellow fighter Alexander Volkanovski’s recent title win and reconnecting with his competitive instincts during a rare sparring session, Adesanya says he’s ready to return.

Reflecting on his loss to Strickland, Adesanya gave credit to the American for his dominant performance in Sydney but hinted that he wasn’t at his best.

“He beat me fair and square, five-nil,” Adesanya admitted. “That loss made me realize I needed to slow down. I was fighting too often as champion. Now, I’m doing things differently. No excuses—but I want to show him what happens when I come correct.”

The Nigerian-born fighter also revealed a personal motivation behind the potential rematch, likening Strickland’s persona to the bullies he faced as a child.

“Everything he’s done since that—because I used to get bullied a lot as a kid—he’s an embodiment of that in a sense,” Adesanya explained. “He attacked the young me, the inner child. I just want to protect him and get some get back for him.”

A date and official announcement for the rematch have yet to be confirmed, but if Adesanya has his way, a shot at redemption is just around the corner.