Israel Adesanya Eyes Fall Rematch with Sean Strickland

After a rollercoaster 2023, former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is ready to rewrite the script—and he wants to do it against Sean Strickland.

Adesanya, one of the sport's most dynamic and polarizing figures, confirmed during the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame ceremony that he’s targeting a return to action this fall. His desired opponent? None other than the man who handed him a stunning loss at UFC 293—Sean Strickland.

Last year was full of emotional highs and lows for “The Last Stylebender.” In April 2023, he exorcised a long-standing demon when he knocked out Alex Pereira in the second round of their UFC 287 title fight. The victory not only brought him redemption but also earned him Knockout of the Year honors. It was a defining moment in his storied career.

However, the triumph was short-lived. Just five months later, Adesanya stepped back into the Octagon to defend his newly reclaimed middleweight belt against Strickland. The result was a lopsided unanimous decision loss in one of the year’s biggest upsets. Adesanya looked flat while Strickland, aggressive and focused, controlled the pace and dominated all five rounds.

Now, Adesanya wants to run it back.

Speaking with reporters while being honored for his epic 2019 bout with Kelvin Gastelum—a fight that earned him UFC Hall of Fame induction—Adesanya revealed he’s hoping to book the rematch for either September or October.

“I think he’s going through something,” Adesanya said about Strickland’s current form. “I haven’t really seen anything, but 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 shit. But for him, that’s easy. He should have just said something and start roasting me or whatever. That’s a Sean Strickland thing to do, but he’s been quiet.

“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 bitch. [Laughs].”

Adesanya’s playful yet pointed remarks ignited speculation about Strickland’s current status and mindset. But as if on cue, Strickland reminded fans of his volatility shortly after. During a Tuff-N-Uff event in Las Vegas, Strickland stormed the cage and punched a fighter who had taunted him after defeating one of his teammates.

The unsanctioned outburst could have serious consequences. If Strickland receives a suspension from any of the athletic commissions, Adesanya’s hopes for a fall rematch may be in jeopardy.

Despite that uncertainty, the storyline is too compelling to ignore. The former champ seeking redemption against the brash brawler who stole his crown—it’s the kind of rivalry the UFC thrives on. Whether it happens in September, October, or later, the MMA world will be watching closely to see if Adesanya can reclaim his throne, or if Strickland will prove once again that his unorthodox style and raw tenacity are no fluke.