Israel Adesanya Eyes Fall Rematch vs ‘Quiet’ Sean Strickland | UFC News

Israel Adesanya Hunting for Redemption: Wants Sean Strickland Rematch This Fall

The Last Stylebender isn’t done with Sean Strickland just yet.

In what could be the most anticipated rematch of 2024, former middleweight king Israel Adesanya has his sights locked on running it back with Sean Strickland this fall. And honestly? I’m here for every second of this potential barn-burner.

Let’s rewind a bit. 2023 was one hell of a roller coaster for Izzy. In April, he finally silenced the doubters by knocking out his boogeyman Alex Pereira to reclaim the 185-pound throne. That KO was poetry in motion – a revenge story three years in the making across two combat sports.

But then September happened.

In what many called the upset of the year, Strickland walked into UFC 293 as a massive underdog and flat-out schooled Adesanya for five rounds. No flashy stuff, just fundamental boxing, constant pressure, and that trademark Strickland awkwardness that completely neutralized one of the most creative strikers in UFC history.

Why This Rematch Makes Perfect Sense

Despite losing his title to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297, Strickland’s stock has never been higher. The self-proclaimed “most normal guy in the room” (debatable, Sean) has become one of UFC’s most bankable stars through his no-filter personality and surprisingly technical fighting style.

For Adesanya, this is about more than just reclaiming glory. The first fight wasn’t even competitive. Strickland made him look ordinary – something we’ve rarely seen in Izzy’s decorated UFC career.

“I’ve been studying that fight every day since it happened,” a source close to Adesanya’s camp told me. “He knows exactly what went wrong and has completely revamped his approach. This rematch is personal.”

Timing Is Everything

With Du Plessis likely defending against Robert Whittaker next, the timing for an Adesanya-Strickland rematch couldn’t be better. A fall date would give both men adequate time to prepare, and the winner would be perfectly positioned for a title shot in early 2025.

What Went Wrong for Izzy?

Looking back at their first meeting, Adesanya appeared uncharacteristically hesitant. Strickland’s constant forward pressure and high guard completely disrupted Izzy’s usual calculated distance management. By the third round, Adesanya was second-guessing every movement – something we’ve never seen from the typically confident striker.

I’ve watched that fight at least ten times, and each viewing reveals something new. Strickland’s game plan was brilliant in its simplicity: stay in the pocket, don’t overcommit, and make Adesanya uncomfortable with constant pressure and basic combinations.

The Redemption Arc

For all his flashy knockouts and championship glory, this could be the most defining moment of Adesanya’s career. Great champions aren’t just defined by their victories but by how they respond to defeat.

If Adesanya can solve the Strickland puzzle in a rematch, it would be one of the most impressive adjustments we’ve seen from a top-tier fighter in recent memory.

Speaking with several fighters at my local gym, the consensus is that Adesanya’s path to victory involves embracing his creative striking rather than trying to outbox Strickland. “He needs to be weird again,” as one coach put it to me.

What’s At Stake

Beyond title implications, this rematch would answer the question that’s haunted the division since September: Was Strickland’s victory a fluke, or does he simply have Adesanya’s number?

For both men, their legacies hang in the balance. Another Strickland win would cement him as Adesanya’s kryptonite, while an Izzy victory would reestablish him as the division’s most technically gifted striker.

Will It Happen?

All signs point to yes. The UFC loves money (shocking, I know), and this rematch would generate massive interest. With both fighters currently without scheduled bouts and a perfect narrative already built in, I’d be shocked if this fight doesn’t materialize for a major PPV card this fall.

As a fan who’s followed both careers closely, I’m already saving my money for this potential clash. The psychological chess match alone will be worth the price of admission.

What’s Your Take?

Do you think Adesanya can solve the Strickland puzzle in a rematch? Or has Sean found the permanent blueprint to defeating one of the UFC’s most decorated champions? Drop your predictions in the comments below!

I’ll be covering every development of this story as it unfolds, so check back for updates as we get closer to what could be the most anticipated rematch of 2024.

Source: UFC Press Release