- Adesanya returns refreshed, bigger, stronger, and sharper than ever
- UFC president Dana White confirms Sean Strickland will face the winner of Adesanya vs. Du Plessis at UFC 305
- A potential rematch between Adesanya and Strickland is speculated to headline the UFC event in Sydney in February 2025
Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya will finally meet for the UFC middleweight title on Saturday, August 17. Du Plessis claimed the title in January, earning a split decision win over Sean Strickland in a hard-fought, competitive battle that extended the South African’s record to 7-0 in the UFC and 21-2 overall.
Nigerian star Adesanya competes for the first time since losing the belt to Strickland last September in Sydney in an uncharacteristically flat effort.
Rematch between Adesanya, Strickland can happen if…
As the UFC gears up for UFC 305, the stakes are higher than ever for Israel Adesanya. A win this weekend could set the stage for a high-profile rematch against Sean Strickland in Sydney early 2025.
UFC president Dana White has already announced that Strickland will face the winner of the highly anticipated bout between Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis.
There’s growing buzz around the UFC’s possible return to Sydney in February 2025, with many speculating that a rematch of Adesanya’s surprising loss to Strickland in the Harbour City last year would be the ideal headliner.
Despite being the heavy favourite, Adesanya struggled with injuries after an intense schedule of 16 fights in five years.
“I faked the funk that week. My right hand wasn’t at its best, and there were things I could’ve done better. But no excuses, it wasn’t my week,” Adesanya admitted.
In the aftermath, Adesanya took a step back from the sport. In his words, “I took time off to grow, I needed to heal physically and mentally. I completely removed myself from the game.”
The break did wonders for Adesanya’s mindset, and now he’s back with a vengeance. “I think you guys will see my best version yet,” he said. “I’m bigger, stronger, and faster than ever. It’s been great to hit the reset button.”
While Adesanya’s focus remains on his upcoming clash with Du Plessis, he has not yet entertained discussions about a Strickland rematch or a Sydney event.
However, fans are eagerly anticipating what could be a thrilling chapter in Adesanya’s storied career.
If Du Plessis wins, it ushers in a new era at the top of the division, establishing the 30-year-old as the top man in the 185-pound ranks and opening the doors to a host of fresh matchups and possibilities. If Adesanya is victorious, he’ll become the first man to hold the middleweight title thrice, returning to a throne he first claimed nearly five years ago.
Paris Olympics 2024: Nathaniel, Oborududu impress with wins as Okezie misses out
Previously, TheRadar reported that Nigeria’s hurdler, Ezekiel Nathaniel, broke a 12-year-old record to emerge the third Nigerian in a 400m hurdles semi-final. Oborududu, who represented Nigeria in the wrestling event beats Canada’s Morais for the second time since their last meeting in 2022.
Although Chidi Okezie was unable to progress to the semifinals even after the repechage round on Monday morning, Nigeria still has Samuel Ogazi who qualified automatically from round one.
