Israel Adesanya is gearing up for his highly anticipated return to the UFC octagon. The former middleweight champion is setting his sights on facing off against his rival, current champion Dricus du Plessis, for the title later this year. While the official announcement is yet to be made, reports suggest that the UFC is planning to schedule the showdown at UFC 305 on Aug. 18 in Perth, Western Australia.
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Adesanya, also known as “The Last Stylebender,” shared his thoughts on his upcoming return. He discussed the changes he has made to his strength and conditioning program and opened up about his new mindset towards his fighting career.
Expressing his excitement about stepping back into the octagon after almost a year, Adesanya emphasized that he is not solely focused on reclaiming belts but is determined to dominate his opponents. He made it clear that his goal is to take down his adversaries and make a statement with his performances.
Following his loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 last September, Adesanya faced another setback when he was defeated by Alex Pereira at UFC 281 in November 2022. However, he bounced back with a spectacular knockout victory over Pereira at UFC 287 five months later. On the other hand, du Plessis has been on a winning streak, culminating in his middleweight title triumph at UFC 297 in January by defeating Strickland.
Adesanya’s approach to his comeback has been methodical and patient, as he aims to make a significant impact when he returns to the octagon. He emphasized the importance of timing and preparation, stating that he is currently focused on training, recuperating, and gearing up for his next battle.
As fans eagerly await Adesanya’s return to the UFC, the anticipation continues to grow for the showdown between him and du Plessis. With both fighters hungry for victory, the stage is set for an electrifying clash that is sure to captivate MMA enthusiasts around the world. Stay tuned for more updates on Adesanya’s journey back to the octagon and his quest for redemption in the UFC.