Overview

• Israel Adesanya has publicly expressed his desire for a rematch with Sean Strickland, seeking redemption for his unanimous decision loss at UFC 293 in September 2023.
• The 35-year-old fighter is currently on a three-fight losing streak, with his most recent defeat coming via knockout to Nassourdine Imavov in January 2025.
• Adesanya is taking a temporary break from competition on the advice of his coach, Eugene Bareman, to focus on his health and long-term career planning.
• Strickland’s rumored head injury during sparring raises questions about the feasibility and timing of a potential rematch between the two fighters.
• Adesanya has emphasized his intention to avoid competing past his physical prime, framing his current pause as a step toward preserving his legacy in the UFC.