Israel Adesanya has been speaking about what is next for him during his trip to Las Vegas.
‘The Last Stylebender’ is in town for International Fight Week where on June 26, Adesanya’s iconic fight with Kelvin Gastelum was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Adesanya has already weighed in on the main event of UFC 317, which takes place this Saturday night, but of course, there are questions of when he will return.
He’s currently in a difficult position with the former two-time middleweight champion being stopped by Nassourdine Imavov earlier this year.
In his opinion, the perfect way to bounce back from three consecutive losses is by avenging one of them.
Israel Adesanya calls out ‘fat’ Sean Strickland for a potential return in September or October
In an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show during UFC 317 fight week, Israel Adesanya outlined that he would like to return around September or October.
‘The Last Stylebender’ specifically named Abu Dhabi in October as a potential target with the UFC not having a PPV event scheduled for September.
When he was asked about a potential opponent, Adesanya said that while Sean Strickland is the only opponent he’s targeting right now, he hasn’t heard anything back from the former champion.
Strickland pulled off a huge underdog victory at UFC 293 in September of 2023 by ending Adesanya’s second reign as the 185-pound titleholder.
“The division’s kind of stagnant,” Adesanya remarked. “I tried. That’s the only one I want but then he hasn’t responded.”
During his interview, Adesanya stated that he believes Strickland has been going through something after being sent videos of his former opponent being out of physical shape.
While on the red carpet at the UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the former champion doubled down on chasing the rematch by sending a message to his former foe.
“We all go through s— but I think, for him, that’s an easy, he should have just said something and start roasting me or whatever. That’s a Sean Strickland thing to do but he’s been quiet so I was like ah. Sean, it’s June, Men’s Mental Health Month. I hope you’re looking after your mental health and also look after your physical health… you fat b—-.”
Israel Adesanya shared a warm encounter with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson at the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony
While Israel Adesanya hasn’t been able to attract the attention of Sean Strickland, he did happen to cross paths with a very different figure.
On the same night that Adesanya’s fight with Kelvin Gastelum was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson had the honor of inducting Mark Kerr into the Pioneer wing.
Johnson plays Kerr in the upcoming movie ‘The Smashing Machine’, which is set to be released in October.
In their brief interaction that was captured by UFC cameras, Adesanya asked Johnson about the movie and was introduced to Emily Blunt, who also stars in the film.