Israel Adesanya appears itching to fight again.
It has been over two years since Adesanya last had his hand raised inside the Octagon. After beginning a second reign on the middleweight throne with a thunderous knockout against Alex Pereira, Adesanya was defeated by Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in shocking fashion.
The 185-pound legend has since lost two more fights, falling via submission against Dricus du Plessis in their Perth title fight and by way of knockout against Nassourdine Imavov in Saudi Arabia this past February.
After Adesanya’s brutal loss to Imavov, many suggested retirement could be on the cards for the Nigerian-New Zealander. But he quickly committed to another fight, and he even had a former opponent in mind as he targeted a shot at redemption.
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Israel Adesanya open to fighting anybody after accepting that Sean Strickland rematch won’t happen
Strickland’s triumph over Adesanya in Sydney is widely considered among the greatest upsets in UFC history, and ‘The Last Stylebender’ has been keen to avenge it.
Earlier this year, Adesanya called Strickland out for a rematch and admitted that a second dance with the American was the only fight that interested him.
After ignoring the callout, Strickland’s UFC return was delayed by a suspension resulting from his attack on a regional fighter while cornering a teammate.
With that in mind, Adesanya has broadened his opponent criteria and is now willing to do battle with anyone, having “moved on” from his ex-rival.
“I mean, I’m not surprised,” Adesanya told Submission Radio when asked about Strickland ignoring his callout.
“If you want to get something done right, do it right the first time. That’s the lesson I learned.
“He’s doing other things in his own life. He’s made the money he wanted to make,” Adesanya continued. “I don’t want to be waiting around.
“I’ve moved on. I just want to fight…I’m staying ready for any and everyone.”
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Israel Adesanya says top contender can give Khamzat Chimaev problems
While Adesanya is no longer a figure in the middleweight title picture, he still has his eyes on the events unfolding at the top of his longtime division.
‘The Last Stylebender’ watched on in early September as his most recent opponent added another victory to his winning streak. Imavov defeated Caio Borralho at UFC Paris to seemingly secure the first shot at dethroning Khamzat Chimaev.
If that fight does come to fruition next, Adesanya won’t dismiss the French contender’s chances.
“I’m not gonna (count) out Imavov now, because of his takedown defense,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. “If he can take away the wrestling from Khamzat, he’ll give him problems. That’s all you have to do. Khamzat can strike, but I see what I see.
“His wrestling is his main weapon, and he commits a lot to the wrestling. He gets the f—ing grip, he takes people down, and keeps them down. If Nassourdine can get past that, he’ll give Khamzat problems.
“Right now, Khamzat is on point, and he’s got the momentum behind him. So has Imavov.
“Who will win? We’ll see.”