Israel Adesanya returns and could fight for the belt at UFC 300; understand the case

Israel Adesanya in action at UFC 287. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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Israel Adesanya may return to the octagon sooner than expected. The former middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg), who had announced a four-year hiatus after losing the belt to Sean Strickland in September 2023, has reportedly reached an agreement to return to action at UFC 300 in April 2024. The information was revealed by former fighter and commentator Chael Sonnen on his YouTube channel.

According to Sonnen, Adesanya is simply waiting for the result of the fight between Strickland and Dricus du Plessis , which takes place at UFC 297 in January, to determine his next opponent.

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The winner of this fight would become the current middleweight champion and would face Adesanya at UFC 300 , a historic event that would mark the organization's 30th anniversary.

“The reason Strickland and Du Plessis were scheduled quickly is because the winner will face Izzy ( Israel Adesanya ) at UFC 300. It’s not finalized yet, but it’s an option. Izzy hasn’t finalized it, but he’s close. I would have preferred him to come back sooner, challenge one of the two and say he’d be waiting for April at UFC 300. But Adesanya is like that. He doesn’t choose fights. He faces anyone and always chooses to go head-to-head with the best,” said Chael Sonnen.

Israel Adesanya back in the UFC?

Adesanya, who has a record of 24 wins and three losses in MMA , was considered one of the best fighters in the history of the division. In September of this year, however, the Nigerian lost the middleweight title to Strickland by unanimous decision.

After the defeat, Israel surprised by declaring that he would be away from the octagon for a while and that he could only return in 2027. He said that he needed a physical and mental rest and that he wanted to dedicate himself to other personal and professional projects. However, it seems that the Nigerian has changed his mind and is willing to regain his middleweight throne.

The UFC has not yet officially confirmed Adesanya's return or his potential title fight at UFC 300. The event is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, USA, and is expected to feature other major fights and special attractions to celebrate the organization's 30th anniversary.

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