RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Israel Adesanya believes the response to his decision to take an extended break from MMA was blown out of proportion.
Adesanya (24-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC), a former two-time UFC middleweight champion, revealed his intentions to step away from the sport for an indefinite period following his unexpected loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September. This announcement came as a surprise since Adesanya had been one of the most active top fighters in the industry for the past five years, transitioning from kickboxing to MMA.
Despite the speculation and doubts surrounding his hiatus, Adesanya dismisses them as baseless.
“Oh my god – the way people literally – I was receiving numerous messages,” Adesanya told MMA Junkie and other reporters on Friday prior to the Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou boxing event. “I was being tagged in so many things and I was like, ‘Hey, I’m not dead. I’m not retiring.’ Just relax. I’m alive and kicking. So, we’re good.”
When asked about his potential return to the octagon, Adesanya remained elusive. Although he hesitated to commit to fighting in 2024, he jokingly extended the timeline much further into the future.
“2027,” Adesanya said. “Look forward to my comeback. See you there.”
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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