Former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya feels the time is right to confront a past challenge, specifically addressing someone he views as a bully. Following a difficult period with consecutive losses, the fighter is motivated for a return to the Octagon.
His recent setbacks include defeats to current champion Dricus du Plessis and Nassourdine Imavov. However, the string of losses arguably began with his heated rivalry and stunning defeat against Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in 2023, an opponent who had relentlessly mocked Adesanya for years, seemingly triggering old feelings associated with childhood bullying.
Israel Adesanya Discusses Plan to Fight Sean Strickland with David Goggins
While training with notable figures like Kamaru Usman and motivational speaker David Goggins (who also has a history with Strickland), Adesanya revealed to the former Navy SEAL his intention to face the American in his upcoming fight.
“I told Hunter [Campbell] already,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. “I told my coach here, it’s time. I know who, I have a feeling who I wanna fight. You’ll like this one. I can get some get-back: Sean Strickland,” Adesanya told Goggins.
“No! You’re going after him?” said Goggins in disbelief.
Strickland was the third fighter to defeat Adesanya in MMA, notably winning every round against him after knocking him down early in their title bout. UFC 293 marked Adesanya’s fifth championship fight within 18 months.
“He beat me fair and square in Sydney, five nil,” Adesanya told Goggins. “Just whooped my ass badly. That was one of the things what made me realize I need to slow down in my activity. I was fighting 3-4 a year as a champion. So I’m like, I’m gonna pull back now because I’m older…”
“I’m doing things different,” the 35-year-old added. “I don’t wanna make excuses because he beat me. But then I just wanna show him if he beat me at my best. So, this time I’m gonna come in and correct.”
Israel Adesanya Says Sean Strickland Attacked His ‘Inner Child’
For Adesanya, a potential rematch with Strickland transcends simply avenging a loss. He has often found motivation in the narratives and interactions surrounding his opponents, such as Alex Pereira or Dricus du Plessis.
Strickland, known for his outspoken nature, has consistently targeted Adesanya over the years with comments ranging from questioning his masculinity to offensive remarks about his pet, demonstrating a willingness to cross personal boundaries.
What specifically drives Adesanya towards a second fight with Strickland? He revealed it`s about protecting his `inner child` from someone he perceives as a significant bully.
“Everything he’s done since that… because I used to get bullied a lot as a kid,” Adesanya said. “So he’s an embodiment of that in a sense. He attacked a young me, the inner child,” Adesanya said of Strickland. “So, I wanna protect him and get some get-back on him.”
“I love that mentality,” Goggins replied.
Rupert Hartwell