Failing to attend the festivities at the Scotiabank Arena in Canada over the weekend, former two-time middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya was not shy in his mocking on past rival, Sean Strickland’s championship loss to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 – with his friends scoffing at the Claifornian’s short-lived title run.
Adesanya, a former two-time undisputed middleweight titleholder, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 293 back in September of last year against Strickland, suffering a stunning unanimous decision loss to the now-former champion, which included a massive knockdown early in the fight.
And linked with a comeback fight against a slew of opponents in a hasty return at UFC 300 in April, City Kickboxing staple, Adesanya received a call out from newly-crowned gold holder, du Plessis in the immediate aftermath of UFC 297 – in a bid to settle their differences inside the Octatgon
Sharing his live reaction to Strickland’s loss to du Plessis, Adesanya watched with friends of his gathered on his sofa – and was sent into hysterics after a certain viewer scoffed at Strickland’s short-lived championship run.
And welcoming the possibility of a championship return against South African rival, du Plessis next, Nigerian-Kiwi striker, Adesanya claimed the pair’s paths are “destined” to cross once again.
Israel Adesanya eyes Dricus du Plessis showdown
“IS~RA~EL ADESANYA,” Israel Adesanya posted on his official X account. “This arc in my story was written long ago. Our paths are destined to cross again. Stay tuned for the next episode, thanks for watching. We Write History.”
IS~RA~EL
This arc in my story was written long ago. Our paths are destined to cross again. Stay tuned for the next episode, thanks for watching.
We Write History— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) January 21, 2024
IS~RA~EL 
ADÉSÀNYÀ
Sharing his thoughts on his defeat, Strickland credited du Plessis for his title ascension, however, pointed to an apparent fight-altering clash of heads late in the bout – which appeared to open a massive laceration around the defending champion’s left eye.
Who wins in a future title fight: Dricus du Plessis or Israel Adesanya?