Israel Adesanya, the former two-time middleweight champion, is gearing up for a comeback after a period of reflection and rejuvenation following a series of defeats. His recent sparring session with fellow Nigerian-born fighter Kamaru Usman in Miami marked his return to active training, reigniting the competitive fire within him. This training session coincided with Alexander Volkanovski’s successful title defense, creating an atmosphere of triumph and motivation. Adesanya’s time off allowed him to mentally reset and rediscover his passion for the sport, a crucial step after the setbacks he faced. The former champion expressed his eagerness to return to the octagon, stating that he’s been “itchy” to compete again.
Adesanya’s recent record reflects a challenging period in his career. He suffered consecutive losses to Dricus Du Plessis (the current champion), Nassourdine Imavov, and Sean Strickland, a sequence that saw him tumble down the middleweight rankings to the number four spot. Despite these defeats, Adesanya maintains a positive outlook and a willingness to engage with potential opponents. He expressed openness to a rematch with Strickland, acknowledging the possibility of granting him a chance at redemption, mirroring opportunities he himself has been given in the past. Similarly, he didn’t dismiss the prospect of facing Paulo Costa again, suggesting an air of acceptance towards any challenge that comes his way.
The timeline of Adesanya’s return is intertwined with the upcoming middleweight title fight between Dricus Du Plessis and the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. The outcome of this clash has the potential to significantly reshape the division’s landscape, influencing Adesanya’s strategic approach and choice of opponents. Regardless of the result, Adesanya remains a prominent figure in the middleweight division, carrying the weight of his past accomplishments and the anticipation of a potential resurgence.
Even with his recent struggles, Adesanya’s star power remains undeniable. He held the middleweight title for nearly two years, establishing himself as a dominant force before losing it to Strickland in September 2023. His reign was characterized by electrifying performances and a captivating fighting style that earned him a large following. This period of dominance solidified his position as a major draw in the UFC and contributed significantly to the growth of the middleweight division’s popularity. His name still carries significant weight, and his return is highly anticipated by fans and pundits alike.
Adesanya’s legacy in the sport was further cemented with the induction of his epic 2019 battle against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing. This accolade underscores the significance of that particular fight, not only for Adesanya’s career but also for its impact on the history of combat sports. The bout, known for its intensity, technical brilliance, and dramatic back-and-forth action, is widely considered a modern classic. The recognition from the UFC further validates Adesanya’s contribution to the sport and solidifies his place among the all-time greats.
The induction of the Gastelum fight into the Hall of Fame serves as a reminder of Adesanya’s peak performance and the captivating fighting style that made him a champion. This recognition, coupled with his recent time off for reflection and renewed training, hints at a potential resurgence for “The Last Stylebender.” The middleweight division awaits his return, ready to witness whether he can reclaim his former glory and navigate the challenges that lie ahead. His upcoming fights will be crucial in determining his legacy and whether he can once again rise to the top of the 185-pound division.
