“I Miss the Beast”- Israel Adesanya Gives Update on His UFC Return Plans and Rumored Retirement Talks

Israel Adesanya has been out of action since he lost his middleweight crown to Sean Strickland. Before that, ‘Izzy’ was perhaps the most active champion in the UFC. Now, he’s sitting on the sidelines, contemplating a return. Will 2024 be the year of his comeback?

As of now, it would appear that Adesanya is rather content with the way his career is looking at the moment. Yes, he faced a major loss. Yes, it was a big setback. But perhaps that’s exactly why he needs to stay away from the cage a little longer. Here’s what he said in his most recent video.

Israel Adesanya on returning to the Octagon

Israel Adesanya recently took to his YouTube channel to address his comeback. He sat down with Mike Tyson’s former coach, Teddy Atlas, to talk about a bunch of things, including his retirement. Rumors about Adesanya just leaving the MMA scene have been floating around.

He informed his fandom that he had no intention to retire this early in his career. In fact, if anything, he misses being inside the cage. Yes, time away is important and necessary, but Adesanya recalled the fighter within him and how he just wanted to set him free.

“. . . I love the mirror it’s a magical portal man,” he told Atlas. “I could see I missed the Beast and I kept on saying that, f*ck, and I know it’s there but I’m like ‘no we got to just chill, put it in the stable for now just work’, and I’ll help my teammates when I get back home and whatnot but it’ll get to a point when I come back. I can’t wait to unleash it again.”

Clearly, he’s far from retiring. The ‘Stylebender’ has proven time and time again that he can take one to the chin. Being an active fighter does take a toll on the mind and the body, which is why many suggested that ‘Izzy’ lost his title. Now, will he really come back this year?

Can he come back in 2024?

Adesanya is a master of trolling. Earlier this year, he edited a poster of UFC 298, putting his name against Alex Pereira for the co-main event. Of course, he was just trolling his fanbase and media outlets in general. But don’t let that distract you from the fact that Pereira did in fact call Adesanya out.

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Once he claimed the vacant light heavyweight title, Pereira asked ‘Izzy’ to “Come to Daddy.” It looks like the rivalry is still fresh and ripe. But this could split Adesanya’s priority. Does he move weight divisions to challenge his nemesis again? Or will he stay in his weight class to reclaim the title that was once rightfully his? It looks like patience as a virtue will help both, fans and the fighter.

Also Read: $4 Million Worth Israel Adesanya Reveals His Real Shameless Lifestyle Posting Pictures of His Ruined and Tattered Socks While on an Official Visit