Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has publicly articulated his ambition to make a return to the Octagon by the close of 2024, according to reports from PUNCH Sports Extra. The fighter, originally from Nigeria, recently fell out of the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings for the first time in five years. This unfortunate shift comes in the wake of his recent submission defeat at the hands of South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis during UFC 305, where he attempted to reclaim the middleweight title. The loss adds to an increasingly concerning trend for Adesanya, marking his second consecutive defeat, which began with an upset against Sean Strickland that stripped him of the championship belt.
Despite these challenges, Adesanya remains optimistic and proactive about his prospects in mixed martial arts. In a recent interview, he articulated his intention to fight again, stating, “Right now, after I just fought him (Du Plessis), I don’t think it’s going to be immediately. I’d rather just fight—not really for the belt, just fight for fighting’s sake. I want to fight one more time before the end of this year or early next year.” This sentiment reflects Adesanya’s desire not only to return to competition but also to recapture the joy of fighting, independent of championship stakes. His resolve showcases a fighter eager to reclaim his foothold in the sport and reassure fans of his capabilities.
Adesanya’s coach, Eugene Bareman, has echoed this resolve, suggesting that a return in 2024 could very well be on the horizon. Bareman noted that Adesanya has been keeping himself active in training, regularly sparring with other fighters at City Kickboxing, a renowned gym in New Zealand known for producing elite fighters. This continued activity hints at a strategic approach to regaining his form and confidence in the Octagon, suggesting that Adesanya is not merely waiting for an opportunity but is actively preparing for a comeback.
The former champion’s interest in the evolving landscape of the middleweight division indicates a thoughtful consideration of his next steps. Adesanya has expressed curiosity about how forthcoming matchups will unfold, specifically the potential clash between Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis, as well as Robert Whittaker’s fight against Khamzat Chimaev. This strategic mindset shows that he is not only focused on his own comeback but is also attuned to the competitive dynamics within the division that could influence his next moves.
As Adesanya contemplates his future, the middleweight division continues to evolve, with new contenders rising and reshaping the landscape. The current top spots in the pound-for-pound rankings are held by Islam Makhachev and Alex Pereira, with Aljamain Sterling having replaced Adesanya in the list. This shake-up underlines the competitive nature of the sport and serves as a stark reminder that the path back to the top is fraught with challenges. Yet, Adesanya remains determined to carve out his own destiny, confident in his training regimen and the potential for future opportunities.
In summary, Israel Adesanya’s journey in the UFC is far from over, as he expresses a strong desire to make a comeback while remaining focused on broadening his skills and assessing the competitive realities of the middleweight division. His positive mindset, combined with his active training and thoughtful approach to upcoming fights, paints a picture of a fighter who is determined to reclaim his place among the elite, setting the stage for an exciting return to the Octagon in the near future.
