Israel Adesanya reveals going on SHOCKING 4 year break from fighting after loss to Sean Strickland

UFC star Israel Adesanya announces a surprising return date in 2027 after his loss at UFC 293, while in Saudi Arabia to watch Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury.

Israel Adesanya reveals going on SHOCKING 4 year break from fighting after loss to Sean Strickland

Israel Adesanya on hiatus after Sean Strickland loss (Image via: IMAGO)

Israel Adesanya joined other celebrities in Saudi Arabia to witness Francis Ngannou taking on Tyson Fury in the boxing ring. Adesanya provided a shocking revelation about his return to the octagon to Oscar Willis of The MacLife. He had earlier stated his hiatus in The Rock podcast.

After his defeat to Sean Strickland at UFC 293, many, including the UFC CEO Dana White, expected an immediate rematch. However, White, after hearing about Adesanya’s plans, announced the winner of Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev as the number one contender. When Willis quizzed Adesanya about his potential return in 2024, this is what Adesanya said to the MMA reporter:

2027, look for the return, I'll see you there.
Israel Adesanya via The MacLife.
YouTube video

Given Adesanya’s personality, high chances are the middleweight superstar might’ve been joking about his break. Adesanya is one of the biggest stars of the UFC. In the absence of Conor McGregor, Adesanya made the biggest numbers on PPV sales. Since 2019, he headlined 11 fights with the promotion. No other fighter has done double-digit title fights in that span. Valentina Shevchenko is second with 9, and Adesanya’s teammate Alexander Volkanovski is third with 9. Adesanya’s record in those fights stands at 8-3.

FS Video

Adesanya is in Saudi Arabia to support his “African Brother”, Francis Ngannou, a.k.a “The Predator.” He is one of the many celebrities who are in the Kingdom for the event. Interestingly, Kamaru Usman wore a Francis Ngannou labeled t-shirt during the fight week of UFC 293, which was controversially blurred on the UFC Embedded episodes. Unfortunately, Usman would lose to Khamzat Chimaev via majority decision at UFC 293.

Israel Adesanya was awestruck by Roberto Duran in Saudi Arabia

In his recent interview with Oscar Willis for The MacLife, Israel Adesanya recently addressed the speculation surrounding his retirement. He responded to the flurry of social media messages and tags that suggested he might be retiring from the sport of MMA.

Israel Adesanya and Roberto Duran in Saudi Arabia
Israel Adesanya and Roberto Duran in Saudi Arabia (via X)

Adesanya reminisced about being in the company of fight legends at the event. He expressed his amazement at being recognized by icons like Roberto Duran a.k.a Hand of Stone. This is what Adesanya said to Willis about meeting with Duran.

Yeah, that was cr*zy. like even the fact he knew me I was like the f*ck. But, yeah it was it's amazing.
Israel Adesanya via X.

Duran, in his prime, was a boxing world champion in four weight classes. Along with “Sugar” Ray Leonard, “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, and Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, Duran made boxing relevant in the public eye during the 80s. The Last Stylebender was truly in the presence of greatness when he was with one of the best sluggers in the world of boxing.

In case you missed it!