Few athletes command attention like Israel Adesanya in terms of capturing the MMA world’s imagination. After a tricky string of defeats, “The Last Stylebender” is once more the talk of the town, not only due to his undeniable fighting style, but resulting from a recent high-profile revelation, Adesanya wants his comeback fight to be against either Paulo Costa or Sean Strickland.
Adesanya’s desire for a high-octane return isn’t surprising. Once a dominant force within the UFC middleweight division, Adesanya’s run hit unexpected turbulence over the past yr. He suffered consecutive losses, including a shocking upset by Nassourdine Imavov and a valiant—but ultimately unsuccessful, try and reclaim his belt from Dricus du Plessis.
MAN WTF 😱
IMAVOV JUST KNOCKED OUT ADESANYA 🤯
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) February 1, 2025
Removed from being deterred, Adesanya has used this era for introspection and growth. He asserted in interviews that he’s “hit latest levels” in his preparation and mental approach, determined to reignite the thrill at middleweight. “Without me, middleweight is getting boring. So, it’s time to make it interesting,” Adesanya declared, exuding confidence that only comes from a fighter who’s tasted greatness and is hungry for more.
Paulo Cost and Sean Strickland are on His Mind
So, why Paulo Costa and Sean Strickland?
Each men share significant history with Adesanya, making them logical, if electrifying, opponents for a headline return.
Adesanya and Costa first squared off at UFC 253 in September 2020, delivering a memorable championship bout. Adesanya finished Costa by TKO in round two, cementing his status because the undisputed king of the division. Since then, Costa has had his own tumultuous run, losing three out of his next 4 before finally getting back into the win column with a vintage performance against Roman Kopylov at UFC 318.
A rematch would carry the burden of unfinished business. Costa has long campaigned for a second crack at Adesanya, often trading barbs and asserting that he’s a modified fighter since their first encounter. With each fighters coming off losses and wanting to prove themselves, the narrative writes itself: unfinished rivalry, redemption, and a shot at vaulting back into title contention.
Strickland, meanwhile, dealt Adesanya considered one of his most stinging losses at UFC 293. The fight was a strategic masterclass, with Strickland outlasting Adesanya and capturing the belt in what many called considered one of the largest upsets of 2023.
For Adesanya, a rematch represents a chance for redemption, a likelihood to right the wrongs of their original encounter and restore his place atop the middleweight hierarchy. He has been vocal about wanting that fight, even goading Strickland in characteristically brash fashion, suggesting that Strickland hasn’t responded to his challenge and poking fun at his physical shape. “That’s the just one I need,” Adesanya shared in a recent interview, referencing the Strickland rematch as his first pick for a return bout.
But there’s a wrinkle, reports indicate Strickland could also be unavailable resulting from an indefinite suspension stemming from a commission issue, casting some doubt on whether that blockbuster rematch can occur soon. Despite this, Adesanya’s persistence keeps hope alive for fight fans craving a heated grudge match.
🚨 Sean Strickland has been SUSPENDED by the Nevada Athletic Commission and won’t have the ability to fight within the UFC until the temporary suspension has been lifted
The suspension stems from an incident in June, where Strickland stormed the cage and attacked a fighter during a… pic.twitter.com/R5Cw1vfaV1
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 18, 2025
While the precise timing and placement for Adesanya’s comeback are still unconfirmed, he’s expressed interest in fighting as soon because the UFC’s autumn schedule allows, potentially as early as September or October. Abu Dhabi in October has been floated as a possible venue, a fittingly grand stage for a superstar’s return.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Each Costa and Strickland stand in the highest tier of middleweights, with their very own ambitions and chips on their shoulders. A victory for Adesanya over either would rocket him back toward title contention and send a message to the division that “The Last Stylebender” is much from finished.
Whichever path the UFC and Adesanya ultimately take, Paulo Costa’s power and animosity, or the redemption arc with Sean Strickland, the result might be must-see TV for fight fans. Israel Adesanya isn’t just coming back; he’s returning with a chip on his shoulder and a mission to reclaim his throne.
Prepare for fireworks, because “The Last Stylebender” is prepared to bounce again, and the entire MMA world might be watching.