Israel Adesanya plans to take an extended break from fighting after his middleweight title loss to Sean Strickland, focusing on his own well-being and acknowledging the toll that multiple fights in a short period of time have taken on his body.
Israel Adesanya has announced that he will be taking an extended break from fighting after his loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293. Following his defeat, it was revealed that Adesanya had pled guilty to drunk driving in New Zealand. Despite these setbacks, Adesanya recognizes the need to prioritize his well-being.
Adesanya acknowledged his defeat and praised his opponent, stating, “Strickland got me on the night because he was the better fighter on the night.” He also commended Strickland’s team for their preparation and performance. Adesanya emphasized that he is not making any excuses and plans to take time off to focus on himself.
While Adesanya is not retiring, he expressed his intention to step away from fighting for a significant period. He believes in his capabilities and understands what changes he needs to make in his lifestyle to adapt and succeed. Adesanya plans to heal himself both physically and mentally before returning to the octagon.
Recently, Adesanya suffered two losses out of three fights. However, he began 2023 with an impressive knockout victory against Alex Pereira, recapturing the middleweight title. Adesanya contemplated stepping in as a replacement opponent for Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 but decided against it, knowing it wasn’t the right time. Regardless, Adesanya issued a warning to all his future competitors, stating, “When I come back, f****** run for the hills.”
Adesanya acknowledged the toll that multiple fights within a short period can have on the body. He mentioned undergoing specialist tests and needing time to heal properly. Although he did not disclose the specifics of his medical condition, Adesanya plans to take his time and come back stronger than ever in the future.