Israel Adesanya is preparing for a potential return to the octagon to challenge new UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 in August, emphasizing a new mindset focused on decisive victories.
It looks like Israel Adesanya is gearing up for his octagon return.
The former UFC middleweight champ is expected to challenge his rival, the new champion Dricus du Plessis, for the title later this year. Although nothing’s official yet, the promotion is reportedly eyeing UFC 305 on Aug. 18 in Perth, Western Australia.
On his YouTube channel, “The Last Stylebender” talked about his potential return. He showcased some new elements of his strength and conditioning program. Plus, he revealed a fresh mindset regarding his fighting career.
“How excited am I to get back in the octagon? I’m excited,” Adesanya said. “I’m excited, it’s been a year — almost a year, like 11 months by the time I get back in the octagon. People are like, ‘Oh, I hope you get the belt back, I hope you get the belt back,’ I have belts. I don’t need any more belts. I’m coming for heads. That’s what I want to do.
“Just a few that I have to touch, and take.”
In his most recent fight, Adesanya lost the middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September. This marked his second loss in his last three fights. After losing the title to Alex Pereira at UFC 281 in November 2022, the 35-year-old avenged that loss with a brutal knockout win over Pereira five months later at UFC 287.
Du Plessis has been on a tear, winning nine straight fights. He captured the middleweight gold at UFC 297 in January, defeating Strickland via split decision.
Adesanya’s approach to his return has been patient. He promises that when he steps back inside the octagon, it will be in an emphatic way.
“I’m excited to come back, but everything comes at its own time,” Adesanya said. “So right now it’s just the time for training, chilling, working, relaxing, healing. And then when it’s time, time for killing.”