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Israel Adesanya interested in rematch against former middleweight foe he once dominated

Originally posted on HITC | By Jamie Theodosi | Last updated Aug 7, 2025 12:03 PM ET

Israel Adesanya is eyeing a comeback after a difficult stretch of three straight defeats.

His last appearance was in February, when he was stopped by Nassourdine Imavov, who has since continued to rise up the ranks.

The loss to Imavov marked the first time in his career that he had dropped three fights on the bounce.

Now 36, Adesanya has already done it all in the sport. That has led many fans to wonder if ‘The Last Stylebender’ will ever make his way back to the Octagon – and he has already answered that question.

Israel Adesanya hints at possible comeback against Paulo Costa

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Despite his current losing streak, Adesanya has shown flashes of his old self and even came close to regaining the belt in his fight against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305.

While another title shot seems unlikely, he has pointed out a potential matchup with an old rival he once beat during his time as champion.

During his run as middleweight champ, Adesanya cleared out much of the division. One of those wins came against Paulo Costa, a fight Costa later admitted he sabotaged himself by drinking a bottle of wine before stepping into the cage.

Following his loss to Imavov, Adesanya took an extended break from training before returning to sparring in April with Kamaru Usman.

“I sparred with Kamaru in Miami when (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. And yeah, I just knew straight away. So I’ve been itchy for a while bro, I’m ready to go,” Adesanya told Sun Sport.

On a potential rematch with Costa or bout with Strickland: “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 it’s alright.”