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Israel Adesanya Moves On From Sean Strickland, Eyes Other Contenders

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Sep 29, 2025 1:51 PM ET

Israel Adesanya isn’t waiting on Sean Strickland any longer. The former two-time UFC middleweight champion has been linked to a rematch with Strickland ever since their shocking clash at UFC 293, when Strickland pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent memory to dethrone “The Last Stylebender.” But with little traction toward booking the fight, Adesanya has decided to look elsewhere.

Adesanya: “I’ve Moved On”

Speaking with Submission Radio, Israel Adesanya admitted he’s no longer banking on a second shot at Strickland.

“I’m not surprised. If you want to get something done right, do it right the first time. That’s the lesson I learned. And he’s doing other things in his own life. He made the money he wanted to make. But again, me as well, I don’t want to be waiting around. I’ve moved on. I just want to fight.”

Adesanya (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) is on the first three-fight skid of his career, with losses to Strickland, then-champion Dricus du Plessis, and Reinier de Ridder.

Israel Adesanya admits he "moved on" from Sean Strickland rematch

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— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) September 28, 2025

Strickland’s Current Situation

Strickland hasn’t been on the smoothest run himself. After defeating Israel Adesanya in 2023, he lost his belt to du Plessis, edged out Paulo Costa in a tepid decision, and then lost again to du Plessis earlier this year.

Complicating matters further, Strickland is currently serving a Nevada State Athletic Commission suspension for storming the cage and throwing punches during a Tuff-N-Uff amateur event in June. The ban lasts until Dec. 29, though it could be reduced to October if he completes an approved anger management program.

New Targets for Adesanya

With Strickland sidelined, Adesanya has shifted his focus toward other contenders in the middleweight division.

One possibility: Anthony Hernandez, who recently fell out of a scheduled bout with Reinier de Ridder.

“Definitely,” Adesanya said when asked about Hernandez. “I’m just staying ready for everyone and anyone.”

The UFC middleweight picture is crowded with contenders, but Adesanya remains a marquee name the promotion will likely want back in a major spot soon. Whether it’s Hernandez, another top-ranked challenger, or even a short-notice opportunity, Adesanya has made his stance clear he’s not sitting idle waiting for Strickland.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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