Israel Adesanya Eyes Sean Strickland Rematch for UFC Return in Late 2025

Posted : 28 June 2025

Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has officially confirmed his intention to return to action in late 2025, setting his sights on a high-profile rematch with Sean Strickland, the fighter who handed him one of the most surprising defeats of his career.

Speaking during International Fight Week in Las Vegas, where his 2019 bout with Kelvin Gastelum was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, Adesanya revealed that his comeback is planned for September or October. The Nigerian-New Zealander made it clear he wants only one opponent: Sean Strickland.

"Most likely September, October… the division’s kind of stagnant… [Sean Strickland] is the only one I want," Adesanya stated during a media appearance.

Adesanya and Strickland last faced off at UFC 293 in September 2023, where Strickland shocked the MMA world by dominating the then-champion en route to a unanimous decision victory. Since then, Adesanya has faced a series of setbacks, including submission and TKO losses in 2024 and early 2025.

Despite those challenges, Adesanya appears reinvigorated. He credited a recent training camp with former UFC champion Kamaru Usman in Miami for reigniting his competitive fire. His motivation, however, goes beyond professional redemption.

"He attacked the young me, the inner child. I just want to protect him and get some get back for him," Adesanya said during a candid conversation with endurance coach David Goggins.

Meanwhile, Strickland is recovering from facial injuries sustained in a title fight loss to Dricus Du Plessis earlier this year. Though not yet confirmed by the UFC, the rematch between Adesanya and Strickland would carry massive implications for the middleweight division and could headline a major event before the end of the year.

If finalized, this bout would offer Adesanya a chance to avenge one of his most high-profile defeats and reassert himself as a top contender in the 185-pound weight class.

Israel Adesanya Eyes Sean Strickland Rematch for UFC Return in Late 2025

Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has officially confirmed his intention to return to action in late 2025, setting his sights on a high-profile rematch with Sean Strickland, the fighter who handed him one of the most surprising defeats of his career.

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