Undoubtedly, the biggest humiliation in Israel Adesanya‘s life came in his UFC 293 clash against Sean Strickland last September. The Kiwi-Nigerian, who had dominated the UFC’s ever-exciting 180-pound middleweight division for almost five years (except for a minor blip against Alex Pereira at UFC 281), was by far the favorite coming into UFC 293.

Not even Strickland fans were expecting their guy to win, with the common sentiment being- ‘Tarzan’ would be a minor blip before Adesanya fights Dricus Du Plessis in a match that would have settled their animosity. In fact, it was because then #1 ranked ‘DDP’ had turned down a UFC 293 booking opposite ‘Izzy’ due to an injury that Strickland had been given the title shot. But contrary to all expectations, Adesanya lost and was predictably devastated. This, of course, has fans wondering if and when Adesanya will rematch Strickland.

Why do many think Israel Adesanya must fight Sean Strickland after UFC 305?

Saying Sean Strickland dominated Israel Adesanya in their UFC 293 clash would be an understatement. The American knocked down ‘Izzy’ in the very first round (the first in Adesanya’s UFC stint) and thoroughly and comprehensively vanquished the then-champ for the remainder of the four rounds. And what must have hurt ‘Izzy’ is that the American beat Adesanya at his own game, clearly being the better striker than the former kickboxer.

While Dana White had indicated immediately after the fight that he would be in favor of an immediate rematch, Adesanya was not up to the task and went on a hiatus instead. Which was well deserved since the Kiwi-Nigerian had been one of the most active champions in UFC history.

But now, with ‘Izzy’ set to face champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 on Saturday, there is a very good chance he will rematch ‘Tarzan’ if he manages to become middleweight champ once again. While there are no guarantees in the sport, this is as close to a guaranteed fact because of two very simple reasons.

One, of course, is that Strickland defeated Adesanya. The second reason, however, is even stronger. Strickland had dropped his title to Dricus Du Plessis in their UFC 297 clash. In a razor-thin affair, which the South African won via a close split decision, many, including UFC CEO Dana White, think Strickland should have won the decision.

After the fight, even Dricus Du Plessis reportedly told Strickland’s coach that ‘Tarzan’ deserved a rematch. The fact is that Strickland is in line for a title rematch, and he was the one who successfully dethroned Adesanya. A stronger case than this for ‘Izzy’ to fight Strickland if he defeats ‘DDP’ at UFC 305 couldn’t be manufactured in a lab. Not to mention, Adesanya must be eager to avenge his humiliation, which must have been the toughest loss of his distinguished career.

Why the Strickland loss was so hard on Adesanya

What made the loss even more painful for Adesanya was all the trash ‘Izzy’ had talked about Strickland, even promising to do a TikTok dance after knocking out ‘Tarzan’. Not to mention Strickland questioning Adesanya’s masculinity, implying he had inappropriate relations with his dog, and claiming that he didn’t deserve to be champion in the run-up to their bout.

If it had been a case of Strickland getting lucky and catching ‘Izzy’ with a good punch or a devastating kick to win, the loss undoubtedly would have been easier for ‘Stylebender’. But Strickland beat ‘Izzy’ for almost every second of every round of their shocking clash. No wonder the Yoruba have repeatedly described the Strickland fight as a “bad dream.”

It was no wonder, therefore, to see Adesanya go on a hiatus from fighting right after the fight. Now, after almost a year, however, the former champ is back in action. And gearing up for a bout in which the stakes are even more personal and heated than the Strickland fight. A win over Du Plessis at UFC 305 would certainly go a long way towards reinstating Adesanya’s reputation. But, until he fights and defeats Strickland, it will not be fully reinstated. Do you think Israel Adesanya should face Sean Strickland after UFC 305?