UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has revealed a conversation with Dana White that proved prophetic after his loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293. In the months leading up to the fight, White warned Adesanya about his high level of activity and willingness to take on any opponent, saying “Just chill out for a little while.” Adesanya, however, refused to listen.
The conversation took place in September 2023, before Adesanya’s title defense against Strickland. In a recent episode of his Young Man Ramble show, Adesanya reflected on the exchange and admitted that he may have been too stubborn. “I was like, ‘No, I have to fight in Sydney,'” he recalled. “And then Dana was like, ‘Listen, kid. You’ve got enough money. Just chill out for a little while.'” Despite his efforts to get back on track after the loss, Adesanya has struggled and is now planning to be more selective with his upcoming fights.
The 35-year-old Adesanya has set his sights on a potential rematch with Strickland in the future, saying “That’s on my list.” However, he wants to prove that he beat the best version of himself. With plans to fight only two or three times a year, Adesanya is taking a more measured approach to his career.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/6/1/24440788/israel-adesanya-reveals-dana-white-didnt-want-him-to-take-sean-strickland-fight