Former two-time undisputed middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya is chasing a rematch conflict with fellow ex-champion, Sean Strickland in his return to the UFC later this 12 months. That’s in keeping with veteran head coach, Tim Welch no less than.
Adesanya, who’s presently within the midst of a disappointing three-fight dropping skid, has been sidelined since his return in a non-title combat again in February of this 12 months.
And headlining the promotion’s return to Saudi Arabia, Adesanya would tackle the surging French-Russian challenger, Nassourdine Imavov.
Dropping a stoppage defeat for the second bout operating, Metropolis Kickboxing striker, Israel Adesanya was felled within the early goings of the second spherical by the surging Imavov.
Israel Adesanya gunning for re-run combat with Sean Strickland
Amd but to e book his return to motion within the time since, in keeping with Welch — the pinnacle coach of incoming UFC 316 headliner, Sean O’Malley, Adesanya is chomping on the bit for a re-run combat with fellow ex-titleholder, Strickland when it’s time for him to return to the Octagon.
“It appeared like he (Israel Adesanya) was wanting that (Sean) Strickland combat again,” Welch mentioned on his YouTube channel. “They mentioned, and it’s not excuses, however his knee was very f*cked up, he was so burnt out, it was only a dangerous, dangerous night time the place he didn’t present up.”
Struggling his second title loss to the outspoken, Strickland again in September 2023, Adesanya discovered himself on the improper aspect of a one-sided unanimous choice loss — in one of many largest title combat upsets within the antiquity of the group.
Sandwiched between his losses to Imavov and Strickland was an unsuccessful title cost ‘Downunder’ in August of final 12 months.
Headlining UFC 305, Nigerian-Kiwi placing ace, Adesanya got here unstuck in a neck crank submission loss to bitter rival, the present champion, Dricus du Plessis within the pair’s notorious grudge matchup.
