Former champion Israel Adesanya feels it`s time to confront Sean Strickland again, viewing him as a bully figure he needs to teach a lesson.
As a top middleweight in history and former two-time UFC champion, Israel Adesanya is eager to return to the Octagon after a recent difficult period in his career.
After facing defeats by current champion Dricus du Plessis and top contender Nassourdine Imavov in February, Adesanya`s challenging streak started with his loss to rival Sean Strickland in 2023.
As he prepares for his return, Adesanya clearly remembers his loss to Strickland at UFC 293, where Strickland dominated and took his title. Strickland`s years of mocking Adesanya before their fight resonated with unpleasant childhood memories of bullying.
Adesanya Shares Unexpected Rematch Goal with David Goggins
Training alongside figures like Kamaru Usman and David Goggins, Adesanya recently discussed his potential next opponent with Goggins, a former Navy SEAL who also has a history of conflict with Strickland. Adesanya indicated Strickland is his target.
On his YouTube channel, Adesanya stated, “I told Hunter [Campbell] already.”
He added, “I told my coach here, it`s time. I know who… I have a feeling who I wanna fight.”
Adesanya then told Goggins, “You`ll like this one. I can get some get-back: Sean Strickland.”
Goggins reacted with surprise, saying, “No! You`re going after him?”
Strickland was only the third fighter to defeat Adesanya in MMA, but he was the first to win every round, even knocking Adesanya down early in their title bout. UFC 293 marked Adesanya`s fifth championship fight in just 18 months.
Adesanya admitted to Goggins, “He beat me fair and square in Sydney, five nil.” He candidly added, “Just whooped my ass badly.”
This defeat, Adesanya explained, made him realize he needed to reduce his fighting frequency. “I was fighting 3-4 a year as a champion,” he said. “So I`m like, I`m gonna pull back now because I`m older…”
The 35-year-old fighter noted, “I`m doing things different.”
While not making excuses for the loss, Adesanya stated his desire to face Strickland again at his peak performance. “This time,” he asserted, “I`m gonna come in and correct.”
Strickland`s Behavior Recalled Childhood Bullying for Adesanya
For Adesanya, facing Strickland again is about more than just avenging a loss.
Throughout his career, whether against opponents like Alex Pereira or Dricus du Plessis, Adesanya has often found motivation in the narratives and personal dynamics surrounding his fights.
Strickland has been highly critical of Adesanya for years, making personal attacks ranging from questioning his masculinity to inappropriate remarks about his dog, seemingly without any boundaries.
What motivates Adesanya for a potential rematch? He sees it as an opportunity to protect his “inner child” by confronting a figure he views as a significant bully.
Adesanya explained, “Everything he`s done since that [loss to Strickland]… because I used to get bullied a lot as a kid.”
He continued, “So he`s an embodiment of that in a sense.”
Adesanya explicitly stated about Strickland, “He attacked a young me, the inner child.”
He concluded his reasoning, “So, I wanna protect him and get some get-back on him.”
Goggins responded, “I love that mentality.”
