David Goggins puts Israel Adesanya to test amidst talks of revenge fight against Sean Strickland

Israel Adesanya puts in time with ex-Navy SEAL David Goggins for a possible UFC rematch booking against rival Sean Strickland.

David Goggins puts Israel Adesanya to test amidst talks of revenge fight against Sean Strickland

Israel Adesanya puts in the work for a possible UFC return (Source: X)

Israel Adesanya, former UFC middleweight belt-holder, is off recent losses in his career. However, despite his career slump, his perspective has not changed. Adesanya is still keeping his fighting intentions intact. To that end, a rematch with Sean Strickland is on everyone’s tab as the logical next step.

Hence, Israel Adesanya has been putting in the work for a comeback fight. The former kickboxing standout recently went a few rounds with Kamaru Usman at Kill Cliff in South Florida. While only trading shots at half-notch strength, it riled up fans on possible return news for both. Before that, he also trained with former middleweight rival Robert Whittaker. Now, the Team CKB NZ star has been putting in some sweaty hours with ex-Navy SEAL David Goggins.

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Best-selling author Goggins cornered and subjected Tony Ferguson through his ‘Hell Week’ SEALs training. The ex-UFC legend was the first athlete to do so, even though many critiqued it. Now, Izzy was seemingly the second. Adesanya is visible in footage (🎥: @freestylebender YT Channel) taking an arduous climb on a stairmaster with the trainer.

Adesanya last fought in February. He was knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov in the headliner of UFC Fight Night 250. That puts him out of active contention for the title gold and dreams of a rematch with Dricus Du Plessis. However, Sean Strickland himself is on another title slump against Du Plessis and on a similar spiral downward. Hence, this matchup makes sense; here’s hoping this cardio prep comes in full force if they do fight. Even top MMA names think that is the way to go for both.

Team Sean O’Malley vouches for Israel Adesanya-Sean Strickland matchup

Adesanya’s interim title-winning stint over Kelvin Gastelum is enshrined in the HOF wing. He was a five-time defender of the 185-pound title belt before losing it to rival Alex Pereira at UFC 281. He avenged that loss with a TKO over ‘Poatan’ in their UFC 287 PPV rematch. He then lost it again to Sean Strickland. Israel Adesanya is now at a unique point with a three-fight stump and losing four out of his last five.

Israel Adesanya strongly leaning towards Sean Strickland UFC rematch
Israel Adesanya strongly leaning towards Sean Strickland UFC rematch (Source: X)

At this point, Adesanya’s fighting future is uncertain. Even his own team has cast doubts over it. The Kiwi-Nigerian has given no decent updates about a fighting resolution yet. However, there is hope in this unfamiliar territory. After his UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 PPV title loss, Tarzan seems like a good bet. Sean O’Malley’s coach, Tim Welch, said that Adesanya is veering that anyway.

[Izzy] is taking a break now… It seems like he’s in a good headspace, and it seems like he wants that Strickland fight back…

Tim Welch via his Official YouTube channel (@TimWelchMT)

Adesanya is not expecting to climb the title contention ladder anytime soon. He is on a rare row of skids after all. But Izzy insists he still has what it takes to prove himself a worthy name and 185-pound standout. To that end, a rematch with Sean Strickland might just be it.

Many think the former champ is a tad bit slower on the footing than his prime self. That in itself is the biggest obstacle to his UFC return. Prime Adesanya used to tout excellent space management as a kickboxer. He has been putting in the rounds with David Goggins and others to amp his pacing. Consequently, that just helps a build-up against Strickland even more with him squabbling with Goggins time and again.

Related: $10 million UFC star Israel Adesanya flexes wild Naruto-themed McLaren