Sun May 04 04:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Adesanya Eyes Strickland Rematch Fueled by Anger, Not Ambition
**LAS VEGAS** – Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has publicly declared his intention to rematch Sean Strickland, the man who dethroned him in a stunning upset. The announcement comes after Adesanya suffered three consecutive defeats, his first losing streak in combat sports.
While speculation surrounds Adesanya’s future in the UFC, with his coach Eugene Bareman even hinting at the possibility of retirement, the 34-year-old fighter is adamant about settling the score with Strickland. “I’m going to get him back,” Adesanya stated on his YouTube channel.
The rivalry stems from their Sydney clash, where Strickland dominated Adesanya en route to a unanimous decision victory and the UFC middleweight title. Adesanya has since reviewed the fight, identifying strategic weaknesses he believes he can exploit in a rematch. “I’m quietly confident,” he added.
Prominent MMA analyst Chael Sonnen offered a compelling perspective on Adesanya’s motivation, suggesting it’s less about championship belts or financial gain and more about a burning desire for retribution. “He fights out of anger,” Sonnen explained. “The Izzy you don’t want to see is the one that’s mad at you.”
Strickland, currently ranked No. 2 in the middleweight division after losing the title to Dricus du Plessis, has remained respectful of Adesanya, despite the simmering rivalry. The potential rematch is already generating significant buzz within the UFC community. Whether this will be Adesanya’s last stand or the beginning of a renewed quest for the title remains to be seen.
First Piper 