Israel Adesanya told he doesn’t deserve immediate rematch with Sean Strickland

Israel Adesanya has been told he doesn’t deserve a rematch against Sean Strickland after his one-sided UFC title loss.

Adesanya was a huge favourite to defend his belt against top contender Strickland at UFC 293 on Saturday night but things didn’t go to plan as the champion lost his world title by unanimous decision. All three judges scored the fight four rounds to one in favour of Strickland, who was surprised at how the fight played out after leaving the cage without a mark on his face.

UFC boss Dana White has since confirmed Adesanya will get the chance to avenge his defeat and reclaim his world title in an immediate rematch against Strickland. Former two-weight world champion turned commentator Daniel Cormier doesn’t think Adesanya should fight for the title again straight away because of the nature of his defeat.

“The last time Izzy lost, all we could speak about was he should be next again,” Cormier said. “I don’t think that this time. I don’t think he should fight for a belt next time. I don’t think he should get an automatic rematch. I think the division needs to move on a little bit.”

Adesanya lost his middleweight belt for the first time last November when he was knocked out by familiar foe Alex Pereira in the final round of their grudge fight. ‘The Last Stylebender’ was up on the scorecards heading into the final round and he got the chance to avenge his defeat in their rematch just five months later, knocking out Pereira in the opening round to reclaim his belt.

Strickland wasn’t the first choice of opponent for Adesanya at UFC 293 as Dricus Du Plessis was planned to face the former champion but had to withdraw due to injury. Cormier thinks Du Plessis will be regretting his decision to pull out of the title fight after watching Adesanya’s sluggish performance on Saturday night.

“It’s like a brand new world. Sean Strickland now opens up the possibility for so many fresh matchups. [Jared] Cannonier just weighed in also and has a victory over Sean Strickland. I’ve got to imagine Dricus Du Plessis will be the next guy, especially after being the one that was supposed to be here,” Cormier added.

“He’s kicking himself in South Africa right now, because if there was a time to get Adesanya, tonight was the night. There was a lot that goes into this fight, and Sean Strickland did what he was supposed to do. I figure Du Plessis unless Khamzat Chimaev just completely wipes out Paulo Costa.”