It looks like we might see the return of Israel Adesanya very soon…maybe UFC 300, because he said he wants to be apart of that.
The two-time middleweight champion shocked the world back in September by giving his belt to Sean Strickland, a bout that saw Strickland rise to the occasion and appear a somewhat lackluster “Style Bender” who looked a little less dynamic than usual. Many have speculated that a major injury or simple wear and tear was the cause of the attacking ace’s downfall given his ridiculous fight schedule, and Adesanya appears to confirm that by announcing that he will step down until 2027.
The claim was met with skepticism, and just a few months later, Adesanya was already talking about his return to playing. It will take some time to recover his body and get back to his best, but unsurprisingly, the 2027 number was not dangerous at all.
It looks like we might see Israel Adesanya back very soon.
Maybe UFC 300, because he said he wants to be apart of that.
Via @IFLTV YT pic.twitter.com/8l28SxHql7
— Jimmy Luke (@Joshjoshmma) December 22, 2023
“In my last few fights, I’ve had four fights in 14 months as champion in the UFC,” Adesanya explained. “That’s unheard of. I’ve been the most active champion – not the fighter – in the league. Life has forced me to take time off, and I will do that. But, “You’ll see me soon. I said ‘2027,’ and the rednecks over there thought I actually meant it. But, you’ll see.”
Maybe Adesanya will be ready in time for UFC 300? There are rumors of an Alex Pereira fight in this mega event, and this trilogy will always be interesting regardless of each man’s final result. If not, the middleweight division has opened up a bit since the Adesanya defeat, so perhaps a certain unbeaten Chechen needs a dance partner in 2024. Finally, if Dricus Du Plessis defeats Strickland next month at UFC 297, this grudge match could still heat up a lot.
Stay tuned.
