Israel Adesanya is determined to reclaim his title and prove himself after suffering a disappointing loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293. In a revealing conversation on his show “Young Man Ramble,” Adesanya discussed how he ignored Dana White’s advice to take a break before the fight, which led to a significant setback.
Adesanya was seen as a fan favorite in the lead-up to the fight, but despite his confidence and determination, he struggled with his physical condition. White had warned him about the toll that frequent fights can take on an athlete’s body, but Adesanya chose to push through, ultimately losing by decision to Strickland.
The loss marked the end of Adesanya’s second reign as middleweight champion, and he entered a three-fight losing streak that saw him suffer submission losses to Dricus du Plessis and Nassourdine Imavov. However, Adesanya has reassessed his fighting strategy and plans to approach future fights with greater selectiveness.
Adesanya now aims to limit himself to two or three fights a year, focusing on recovery and preparation to ensure he can perform at his best. He also expresses a strong desire for a rematch with Strickland, driven by a personal need to prove himself against the American fighter’s best version.
At 35, Adesanya recognizes that each fight must count, and he is more focused on his health and performance than ever before. With a strong support system and an unwavering competitive spirit, he remains committed to his fight career, eager to rise again from the challenges that have defined this tumultuous chapter of his journey.
Adesanya’s desire for redemption highlights his commitment to reclaiming his legacy, and fans will be watching closely to see if “The Last Stylebender” can regain his status as a championship contender.
Source: https://mmauk.net/2025/06/01/israel-adesanya-reveals-dana-whites-warning-before-sean-strickland-fight