The Israel Adesanya Rematch ‘Train’ Has Passed For Sean Strickland: “He’s Doing Other Things”

After their first outing at UFC 293, Israel Adesanya does not seem thrilled regarding a potential rematch against Sean Strickland anymore.

The Israel Adesanya Rematch ‘Train’ Has Passed For Sean Strickland: “He’s Doing Other Things”

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In the world of mixed martial arts, rivalries often define careers, with rematches serving as opportunities for redemption or confirmation of dominance. However, not every storyline develops into a continuation, as some fighters choose to focus on new paths rather than revisit past battles. Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya recently weighed in on his unfinished rivalry against Sean Strickland.

Their first encounter took place at UFC 293 in September 2023, where Strickland shocked the MMA community by defeating Adesanya to capture the UFC middleweight championship. The upset was considered one of the biggest in recent years, and a potential rematch between the two had remained a topic of discussion ever since.

Despite ongoing speculation, Adesanya revealed in an interview with Submission Radio that he has now shifted his focus away from that fight. Strickland went on to lose the middleweight title in his first defense against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297, which further complicated the trajectory of the division. With the title picture evolving, the possibility of the rematch between Adesanya and Strickland has diminished.

I’m not surprised. You know, it’s like, if you want to get something done right, do it right the first time. That’s the lesson I learned. And he’s doing other things in his own life. You know, he’s made the money he wanted to make, but again, me as well. I don’t want to be waiting around. I’ve moved on. I just want to fight. So I will fight.

Israel Adesanya via Submission Radio

The first fight against Strickland at UFC 293 was so shocking for the MMA community, as Adesanya had just knocked out Alex Pereira, who was one of the most dangerous strikers in the division. After the Strickland fight, ‘Stylebender’ lost to Du Plessis in an attempt to regain his championship at UFC 305. However, his last outing also ended in disappointment after Nassourdine Imavov knocked him out.

On the other hand, for Strickland, the loss of the belt and subsequent career moves have also shifted his priorities. While he remains a key figure in the division, his path has diverged from Adesanya’s, with both fighters now taking separate routes in their pursuit of top-tier competition. ‘Tarzan is also presently on suspension after he attacked a fighter at an MMA event.

The chapter between Adesanya and Strickland, at least for now, appears to be closed. With new rivalries and title implications emerging, both fighters seem committed to moving forward. As the UFC middleweight division continues to evolve, attention will now shift toward upcoming matchups that shape the future of the weight class rather than revisiting one of its most surprising upsets.

Israel Adesanya weighs in on the hate Dricus Du Plessis faced after UFC 319

The middleweight division was shaken when Dricus Du Plessis suffered a dominant defeat at the hands of Khamzat Chimaev. Once seen as one of the division’s toughest champions, Du Plessis entered the bout with high expectations but was unable to handle Chimaev’s relentless style. The loss led to a wave of criticism directed toward him from fans who had built him up as a potential long-term titleholder.

Israel Adesanya supports Dricus Du Plessis after Khamzat Chimaev loss
Israel Adesanya supports Dricus Du Plessis after Khamzat Chimaev loss (via Los Angeles Times, Playoffs)

When asked about the backlash, Israel Adesanya was quick to support his former rival. Despite their history of tense exchanges and a rivalry that never culminated in the Octagon, Adesanya downplayed the negativity surrounding Du Plessis. He spoke about the UFC 319 main event in an interview with Submission Radio.

They are ret**ds .Dricus doesn’t need my advice; he knows what to do.

Israel Adesanya via Submission Radio

This show of support highlights the complex relationships that exist at the elite level of MMA. While rivalries often dominate headlines, fighters also understand the pressures of competing at the highest stage. Israel Adesanya’s backing of Du Plessis comes at a time when the South African is facing heavy scrutiny, and it demonstrates how quickly the narrative can shift from animosity to mutual recognition.

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