Israel Adesanya Eyes Fall Rematch with Sean Strickland (2 Viewers)

[Kingdaniel]

Israel Adesanya is looking to settle the score with Sean Strickland and he wants to do it this fall. After a rollercoaster 2023, Adesanya is ready for redemption. In April of that year, he finally got the better of longtime rival Alex Pereira, knocking him out in the second round at UFC 287 to reclaim the middleweight title.

The dramatic finish earned him Knockout of the Year and put a satisfying cap on one of MMA’s fiercest rivalries. But just five months later, the momentum came crashing down. Adesanya lost his title in a dominant upset to Strickland at UFC 293, a result that left many fans stunned and Adesanya hungry for a rematch.

Speaking to reporters at the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame ceremony, where he was inducted for his legendary 2019 fight against Kelvin Gastelum, Adesanya confirmed that he’s targeting a September or October return ideally against Strickland.

“I think he’s going through something,” Adesanya said when asked about the potential matchup. “Someone sent me a screenshot like, ‘Oh, he’s fat now.’ I saw it and I was like, oh shit.”

“Sean’s a guy who definitely has a lot of old-school stuff, trauma he has to deal with. We all go through stuff. But for him, that’s easy he should have just said something and started roasting me or whatever. That’s a Sean Strickland thing to do, but he’s been quiet.”

Then, in classic Adesanya fashion, he added with a smirk,

“Sean, it’s June, men’s mental health month. I hope you’re looking out for your mental health and also looking out for your physical health. You fat Biatch.” [Laughs]

Strickland didn’t stay quiet for long. Just days later, he made headlines for all the wrong reasons after storming the cage at a Tuff-N-Uff event in Las Vegas and punching a fighter who had taunted him following a win over one of Strickland’s teammates.

Whether or not Strickland will face disciplinary action for the outburst remains to be seen. But if a suspension comes down, it could delay or derail Adesanya’s plans for a fall return and the revenge fight he’s chasing.