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Comes up short in title quest
Adesanya came up short in his quest to regain the UFC Middleweight Championship on Saturday, losing to Dricus Du Plessis via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:38 of Round 4 at UFC 205 in Perth, Australia.
ANALYSIS
Fighting for the first time since last September when he dropped his belt to Sean Strickland, Adesanya looked sharp and fully refreshed. Until he wasn't. Izzy predictably struggled with the wrestling game of du Plessis, but as usual, he did a nice job of working his way back to his feet. Both men made serious headway on the feet, but Adesanya appeared to be gaining momentum late in Round 4. Then he got clipped with a few blows along the fence, gave up an easy takedown and was tapping out moments later. Having turned 35 years of age in late-July, each of Izzy's last dozen UFC bouts have been for a title. It's a truly insane statistic. He's just 1-3 in his last four fights dating back to November 2022, but those three defeats came against du Plessis, Strickland and Alex Pereira. In other words, the best of the best. Izzy said in his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier that he has zero plans of stepping aside. It appears "The Last Stylebender" will be back at some point, but it's anyone's guess when and against whom.
Fighting for the first time since last September when he dropped his belt to Sean Strickland, Adesanya looked sharp and fully refreshed. Until he wasn't. Izzy predictably struggled with the wrestling game of du Plessis, but as usual, he did a nice job of working his way back to his feet. Both men made serious headway on the feet, but Adesanya appeared to be gaining momentum late in Round 4. Then he got clipped with a few blows along the fence, gave up an easy takedown and was tapping out moments later. Having turned 35 years of age in late-July, each of Izzy's last dozen UFC bouts have been for a title. It's a truly insane statistic. He's just 1-3 in his last four fights dating back to November 2022, but those three defeats came against du Plessis, Strickland and Alex Pereira. In other words, the best of the best. Izzy said in his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier that he has zero plans of stepping aside. It appears "The Last Stylebender" will be back at some point, but it's anyone's guess when and against whom.
Championship challenger for UFC 305
Adesanya is scheduled to challenge Dricus du Plessis for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 305 in Perth on Aug. 18, per Adesanya's announcement Monday.
ANALYSIS
Just over eight months after announcing a hiatus, Adesanya is ready to fight again and will have an immediate opportunity for the UFC Middleweight Championship. Strickland is no longer champion after he himself lost the title to du Plessis, who was expected to be Adesanya's initial opponent for UFC 293. Even with an upset loss to Strickland, Adesanya has the striking profile and resume to be considered a favorite against DDP. However, du Plessis' rise has been meteoric, with his 7-0 UFC run also including TKO finishes to Derek Brunson and Robert Whittaker, just like Adesanya.
Just over eight months after announcing a hiatus, Adesanya is ready to fight again and will have an immediate opportunity for the UFC Middleweight Championship. Strickland is no longer champion after he himself lost the title to du Plessis, who was expected to be Adesanya's initial opponent for UFC 293. Even with an upset loss to Strickland, Adesanya has the striking profile and resume to be considered a favorite against DDP. However, du Plessis' rise has been meteoric, with his 7-0 UFC run also including TKO finishes to Derek Brunson and Robert Whittaker, just like Adesanya.
Taking hiatus
Adesanya recently said on "The Rock" podcast that he's "not going to fight for a long time" following his loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September, Mike Bohn of USA ToDay reports.
ANALYSIS
Strickland won the UFC Middleweight Championship in that bout, which Adesanya's second loss in his past three fights. Adesanya has been busy either defending or attempting to retake that title over the past few years, and he'll step away from the Octagon for a bit. He also said he's "definitely not going to retire," though it's unclear how long it will be before he returns to action.
Strickland won the UFC Middleweight Championship in that bout, which Adesanya's second loss in his past three fights. Adesanya has been busy either defending or attempting to retake that title over the past few years, and he'll step away from the Octagon for a bit. He also said he's "definitely not going to retire," though it's unclear how long it will be before he returns to action.
Drops title in absolute stunner
Adesanya lost his UFC Middleweight Championship on Saturday, falling to Sean Strickland via unanimous decision (46-49, 46-49, 46-49) at UFC 293 in Sydney, Australia.
ANALYSIS
It was unquestionably the worst performance we have seen from Adesanya since he joined the UFC in February 2018. He appeared comfortable in Round 2, but other than that, Strickland dominated this fight the entire way. In truth, Izzy was lucky to survive Round 1. He was dropped by Strickland late in the frame and appeared to be in dire straits, but referee Marc Goddard didn't come remotely close to stopping the bout, allowing Adesanya to work through it. It was the first time in Izzy's UFC run that he'd been knocked down. Those trademark counters Adesanya is known for never materialized with Strickland in his face pushing the pace for 25 minutes. There's not much else to say. Izzy simply got beat here, and beat handily. Adesanya has always been one of the most active champions around. Heck, he's now fought three times since last November. It's fair to wonder if it finally caught up to him. Izzy turned 34 years of age this past July and has now lost two of his last three.
It was unquestionably the worst performance we have seen from Adesanya since he joined the UFC in February 2018. He appeared comfortable in Round 2, but other than that, Strickland dominated this fight the entire way. In truth, Izzy was lucky to survive Round 1. He was dropped by Strickland late in the frame and appeared to be in dire straits, but referee Marc Goddard didn't come remotely close to stopping the bout, allowing Adesanya to work through it. It was the first time in Izzy's UFC run that he'd been knocked down. Those trademark counters Adesanya is known for never materialized with Strickland in his face pushing the pace for 25 minutes. There's not much else to say. Izzy simply got beat here, and beat handily. Adesanya has always been one of the most active champions around. Heck, he's now fought three times since last November. It's fair to wonder if it finally caught up to him. Izzy turned 34 years of age this past July and has now lost two of his last three.
Will defend title against Strickland
Adesanya will look to defend his UFC Middleweight title at UFC 293 on Sept. 9 against Sean Strickland, MMA reporter Ariel Helwani reports.
ANALYSIS
Adesanya wanted to face off against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 293, but Du Plesis was unavailable due to a lingering injury in which Adesanya took to social media to call him out. Sean Strickland was the clear next choice to square off with the UFC Middleweight champ as he looks to defend his title for the first time since regaining the belt back in April against Alex Pereira. Strickland is the No. 7 ranked middleweight who is coming off a victory over Abus Magomedov.
Adesanya wanted to face off against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 293, but Du Plesis was unavailable due to a lingering injury in which Adesanya took to social media to call him out. Sean Strickland was the clear next choice to square off with the UFC Middleweight champ as he looks to defend his title for the first time since regaining the belt back in April against Alex Pereira. Strickland is the No. 7 ranked middleweight who is coming off a victory over Abus Magomedov.