Israel Adesanya’s UFC career appears to be on hold.
The former UFC middleweight champion has no plans to fight for “a long time,” he told New Zealand radio show “The Rock” on Thursday. Adesanya is coming off a surprise loss last month to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in Australia. Strickland defeated Adesanya for the middleweight title via one-sided unanimous decision as a +500 underdog.
“I never make excuses, I gave him props, but now I’m going to take time to take care of myself and I’m not going to fight for a long time,” Adesanya said.
Adesanya, 34, said he would not retire but would take care of his body. The former two-time champion fought four title fights in 14 months, an almost unheard of clip for a champion in today’s UFC.
“I know myself, I’m not going for that,” Adesanya said. “I know myself, but if that’s the case, it’s okay. I don’t need to prove anything else. But I know what I can do and I know what I can change in my lifestyle to that my body adapts to where I am.” I need it.”
“The Last Style Bender” has fought nine times since March 2020, all for the title, including a knockout loss to Alex Pereira last November. Adesanya won the rematch in April, but said he was injured before that one.
Adesanya (24-3) is considered one of the best middleweight fighters in MMA history. The Nigerian-born fighter, who grew up in New Zealand, made five successful title defenses at 185 pounds and became one of the UFC’s most popular stars in recent years.
UFC president Dana White said the promotion would plan for an immediate rematch between Adesanya and Strickland, but that now appears unlikely. Khamzat Chimaev will face former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 next week in Abu Dhabi and the winner of this fight will most likely be Strickland’s first title defense.
“I’m just going to take my time and heal, and then when I come back, I’ll run for the hills,” Adesanya said.
