ISRAEL ADESANYA is champing at the bit to return to the cage – despite some vocal fight fans calling for him to retire.
The former long-reigning UFC middleweight champion is currently on a three-fight skid, the worst of his professional MMA career.
Back-to-back title fight defeats to Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis in September 2023 and last August put the Nigerian-born New Zealander in uncharted territory.
And a shock second-round TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov in February raised further doubts over the fan favourite’s fighting future.
Adesanya , 36, quickly dismissed the prospect of retirement but insisted he wouldn’t rush back into the cage.
But a brief period of R&R, ‘The Last Stylebender’ is “ready” to make the walk to the octagon again.
In an exclusive interview with SunSport ahead of his induction into the UFC Hall of Fame, Adesanya said: “Oh yeah [the itch has returned].
“I sparred with Kamaru [Usman] in Miami when Volk [Alexander Volkanovski] got his belt back.
“And that was my first sparring back.
“I took some time out to just, you know, chill and let the brain relax.
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“And yeah, I just knew straight away. So I’ve been itchy for a while, bro. I’m ready to go!”
At this moment in time, there are two standout opponents for what many believe will be a must-win next outing for Adesanya.
The first is fellow former 185lbs champion Strickland, who pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history in their Sydney showdown two years ago.
The second is the resurgent Paulo Costa, who got back to winning ways last month at UFC 318 against Roman Kopylov.
Like the controversial and outspoken Strickland, Adesanya has history with Brazilian bruiser Costa.
Adesanya emerged victorious from their clash of undefeated middleweights on Fight Island in September 2020, stopping ‘Borrachina’ in the second round of their Abu Dhabi dust-up.
Rematches with both men intrigue the former champion, who recently told SunSport he’s over the “halfway point” of his MMA career.
I’ve been itchy for a while, bro. I’m ready to go!”
Israel Adesanya on his next fight
He said: “I think Paulo was going to fight this weekend.
“If he had won, I bet you he would’ve said something stupid.
“And I don’t have to say much. I’d be like, ‘Cool, alright, that sounds fun’.
“And give him a chance at redemption like people have done for me as well.
“And Strickland, if he wants to fight, sure. If not, ahh [shrugs his shoulders] it’s alright.”
