Israel Adesanya says Sean Strickland rematch not happening next, eyes October return
LAS VEGAS – Don't hold your breath for a Sean Strickland vs. Israel Adesanya rematch. It doesn't look like that fight will try to get worked on, at least not any time soon.
Adesanya (24-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) was angling for the Strickland rematch just a few months ago and was very vocal in calling for that bout. However, speaking to reporters at the 2025 UFC Hall of Fame ceremony last Thursday, Adesanya had a very different tone and didn't give much hope of the rematch being next.
"I want to, but he's busy at the moment with other stuff, so that's him," Adesanya told reporters. "But we'll see. I'll pick a fight this weekend."
Adesanya last fought in February, losing by TKO to top contender Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia. The former UFC middleweight champion would like to fight again in that part of the world and thinks the Oct. 25 UFC pay-per-view in Abu Dhabi "sounds nice."
"The Last Stylebender" also reveled that there's not a big interest in rematching champion Dricus du Plessis in hopes of getting his belt back. He does see him staying champion and getting past his next title defense – a main event booking for UFC 319 on Aug. 16 against Khamzat Chimaev.
"I got DDP because he's stubborn," Adesanya said. "Khamzat is a beast, but DDP is just weird and stubborn, and he's got real power."
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