Israel Adesanya is set to take a well-deserved break before returning to the UFC Octagon.
The former two-time UFC middleweight champion suffered a shock second-round KO loss against Nassourdine Imavov in Saudi Arabia last weekend to strech his winless run to three.
Before Dricus du Plessis beat Sean Strickland in their rematch for his old belt at UFC 312, ‘The Last Stylebender’ was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame for his interim title fight war with Kelvin Gastelum in 2019.
Israel Adesanya was caught offguard by the announcement as he sat in the crowd with Alex Pereira.
- READ MORE: Khamzat Chimaev shares X-rated reaction to Dricus du Plessis beating Sean Strickland at UFC 312
Dana White provides update on Israel Adesanya
Dana White answered questions from assmenbled media members in the aftermath of UFC 312.
The UFC boss provided an update on Adesanya after having a cageside conversation with the ex-champ.
“We talked tonight, he’s gonna take some time off and relax a little bit,” White said.
The MMA mogul also discussed his decision to induct Adesanya into the UFC Hall of Fame Fight Wing.
White added: “What’s weird about it is this stuff was decided a long time ago, and then we end up here, so it ended up perfect.
“He didn’t know why he was here. When he came over and sat near me, he was like, ‘What’s up?’
“I’m like, ‘Nothing. Just wanna hang with you for a little bit’. And then he got hit with it.
“So, well deserved, and I’m really happy for him.”
Israel Adesanya react to his Hall of Fame induction
Adesanya gave his immediate thoughts on joining the Hall of Fame to ESPN MMA backsage at UFC 312.
“It was a surprise, definitely,” he said.
“I wanna say thank you to Kelvin because it’s not just me, it takes two to tango, and he’s a great dance partner.
“It means a lot. At first, when they said, I was like, ‘I’m too young’. But when they said it was for the fight, I was like, ‘Oh, that was an instant classic’ so I respect it.
The 35-year-old went on to confirm White’s suggestion that he will take a small breaking from fighting.
Still, it seems certain that his UFC career will continue and he will return to the Octagon again in 2025.
“Just celebrate with the team,” Adesanya said when asked about what’s next for him.
“Help the guys get ready for their fights coming up.
“Yeah, just get back to the drawing board and keep working.”