Israel Adesanya once ruled the middleweight division like a king sitting on his throne. He dispatched challengers with slick striking and an almost supernatural ability to make opponents miss. His reign seemed unstoppable for years, with memorable victories over legends like Anderson Silva and dangerous fighters like Robert Whittaker. But the fight game has a funny way of reminding everyone that no one stays on top forever.<\/p>
The fall began when Sean Strickland shocked the world by outpointing Adesanya to claim the middleweight title in 2023. Then came the submission loss to Dricus Du Plessis, followed most recently by Nassourdine Imavov dropping him early in the second round this February. Three straight losses for a fighter who had seemed untouchable just a few years ago. It’s the kind of slide that makes fans wonder if ‘Father Time’ has finally caught up him. But Adesanya isn’t ready to ride off into the sunset just yet, and he’s got his sights set on getting back into the win column.<\/p>
Adesanya recently opened up about his comeback plans, and he’s not looking for easy fights to pad his record. Instead, he’s targeting two opponents who have significant history with him: Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa. Speaking with SunSport,<\/strong> the former champion made it clear he’s ready to get back in there.<\/p> “I don’t have to say much [about fighting Costa]. I’d be like, ‘Cool, alright, that sounds fun. [I’d] give him the chance at redemption like people have done for me as well. And [Sean] Strickland, if he wants to fight, sure.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>