Israel Adesanya reacts as Sean Strickland confirmed as number one contender after UFC 305: ‘I like it’
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Slated to headline UFC 305 this weekend in a title grudge match with arch-rival, Dricus du Plessis, former two-time middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya claims he “likes” the idea of a rematch with Sean Strickland – who was confirmed as the number one contender to the throne by Dana White overnight.
Adesanya, a former two-time undisputed middleweight gold holder, has been out of action since he took on the outspoken, Strickland back in September of last year ‘Downunder’ – losing his title in a stunning unanimous decision loss to the massive underdog.
Israel Adesanya likes the idea of facing Sean Strickland after UFC 305
And taking on promotional-perfect star, du Plessis this weekend in Australia, former two-time champion, Adesanya appears most definitely receptive to news that the victor of the UFC 305 headliner will face off with Strickland, in a bid to avenge just his second defeat at the 185lbs limit.
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“Oh, really?” Israel Adesanya asked The Mac Life when he learned of Sean Strickland’s status as number one contender after UFC 305. “Ok, cool. That’s nice, I didn’t think the UFC would announce it [who the number one contender is] like that but I thought maybe (Robert) Whittaker versus Khamzat (Chimaev).”
“I have to think about it – I like it,” Israel Adesanya claimed. “I don’t mind it, I like it. Cool.”
![Israel Adesanya reacts as Sean Strickland confirmed as number one contender after UFC 305: 'I like it' 3 Israel Adesanya Fights](https://www.lowkickmma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/israel-adesanya-win-1024x536.jpg)
Slated to land himself a rematch against either Adesanya or du Plessis ahead of UFC 305, Strickland dropped the undisputed middleweight crown against the Pretoria native back in January of this year in Canada, in a controversial split decision loss – which he has been vocal about since.
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Returning to winning ways at UFC 302 back in May, Strickland turned in an impressive decision win over former title challenger, Paulo Costa in Newark, New Jersey.