Despite being arguably the closest person to Israel Adesanya in his fight camp, City Kickboxing head trainer Eugene Bareman couldn’t identify from cageside what many observers called out after his fighter’s loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 on Saturday. It was a disappointing night for Adesanya, who has now lost two of his past three fights, both of which ended with him dropping the middleweight title. The defeat left many wondering what went wrong for Adesanya, one of the most active fighters in the sport.
Adesanya’s recent decline in performance has raised questions about whether he was at his best during the fight in Sydney. As Bareman admitted, every fighter has off-nights, and unfortunately, this was one for Adesanya. However, the sheer volume of fights he has taken on within a short period of time must have taken a toll on his physical and mental capabilities. The UFC star has participated in five title matches in just 19 months, which is an impressive feat but begs the question of whether he was adequately prepared and recovered for each fight.
Sean Strickland’s dominance in the fight was undeniable. He outperformed Adesanya in an area where the Nigerian fighter is usually considered the best in the sport: striking. Strickland landed significantly more strikes than Adesanya, including a significant advantage in head strikes. He put himself in the line of fire, absorbing Adesanya’s attacks and delivering his own with precision and effectiveness. This strategy paid off for Strickland, as Adesanya struggled to find his rhythm and failed to capitalize on opportunities to punish his opponent.
Immediately following the fight, Bareman expressed his desire for a rematch with Strickland the following weekend. While this may seem like a hastily made decision, Bareman later clarified that he mentioned it to emphasize that the game plan was still intact and could be adjusted quickly. Realistically, a rematch with Strickland would take place at the end of the year or the beginning of the next. Adesanya and his team would have the opportunity to analyze their mistakes, make the necessary adjustments, and come back stronger.
As for Adesanya’s place in the title picture, it remains uncertain whether he will get an immediate rematch with Strickland. However, UFC president Dana White expressed interest in the idea, acknowledging the intrigue of a rematch. Other fighters, such as Dricus Du Plessis and the winner of the UFC 294 co-main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa, have also made cases for a title shot. Jared Cannonier, who defeated Strickland last December, could also be a potential contender. Nevertheless, Bareman believes that Adesanya’s status as one of the biggest stars in the sport should earn him the opportunity for a rematch.
Adesanya’s recent losses have served as a wake-up call for the fighter and his team. Losing is never easy, but it can often lead to valuable lessons and growth. Adesanya’s determination to live his life to the fullest and thrive despite the losses is admirable. He understands the importance of family and self-care in overcoming challenges and coming back stronger than ever.
As Adesanya takes time to reflect and recover, there is no doubt that he will return to the octagon with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire for redemption. His fighting skills, combined with the guidance of his experienced team, give him the potential to bounce back and reclaim his middleweight title. The road ahead may be challenging, but Adesanya’s resilience and dedication will undoubtedly play a significant role in his future success.
Israel Adesanya’s recent loss to Sean Strickland has raised questions about the fighter’s performance and future in the sport. While the defeat was undoubtedly a setback, it also presents an opportunity for Adesanya to learn and grow. With the right adjustments, a potential rematch, and a burning desire for redemption, Adesanya has the potential to rise once again and solidify his position as one of the greatest fighters in the sport.
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