“What a reign!” Israel Adesanya mocks Sean Strickland’s limited time as champion after defeating him

It looks like the rivalry between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland is getting even spicier. No one will ever forget the rivalry between Adesanya and Strickland. In a recent interview, ‘Izzy’ had some choice words for Strickland’s short-lived reign as UFC middleweight champion.

Ariel Helwani recently interviewed the former middleweight champion in the studio. He talked about Sean Strickland getting the better of him that night. Adesanya felt that was Strickland’s moment, but he couldn’t help but mock ‘Tarzan.’

It was just his week, his moment to shine, and what a reign… amazing. Amazing what he’s done. Great. I love it.

Israel Adesanya via the MMA Hour

Israel Adesanya mocked Strickland’s short-lived status as a champion. Strickland wasn’t able to defend his belt once before losing it to Dricus Du Plessis. Adesanya insinuated this subtly without saying it outright. Strickland’s win against Adesanya, however, was one of the biggest upsets of 2023. A new chapter in their rivalry will likely unfold depending on what happens in the middleweight title picture.

Sean Strickland‘s title reign ended after a close split decision loss to Du Plessis. Many, including Dana White and Joe Rogan, felt Strickland edged out Du Plessis. However, the judges didn’t see it that way. It’s clear Adesanya and Strickland still have some unfinished business. Both of them are eyeing a potential title fight against Dricus Du Plessis. This will definitely intensify the rivalry, as the trash talk is only going to heat up even more.

Israel Adesanya vs. Dricus Du Plessis is in the works; Sean Strickland out of the title picture

It looks like the UFC middleweight title picture is finally starting to clear up. According to reports, the promotion is in talks to book a showdown between champion Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya. This fight has been a long time coming, ever since ‘Stillknocks’ burst onto the scene with a knockout win over Robert Whittaker. Adesanya and Du Plessis almost came to blows at UFC 290, and now it seems the UFC is ready to make it happen.

Adesanya’s coach, Eugene Bareman, had insinuated that Adesanya was next in line for the title shot.  Sounds like Adesanya and his team are chomping at the bit to get this title fight booked. The rumor going around is that this fight will go down at UFC 305 in Australia. After all, ‘Izzy’ hasn’t gotten a crack at the belt since losing it to Sean Strickland. He’s probably itching to get that strap back around his waist.

There were rumors of a potential rematch between Du Plessis and Strickland, given the close nature of the fight. Strickland had called for an immediate rematch multiple times but was snubbed. It seems like Strickland had given up on that idea with Paulo Costa being lined up as the next opponent. Robert Whittaker was another contender with a recent win over Costa. He also won’t be available as he is set to take on Khamzat Chimaev in Saudi Arabia.

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