What’s buzzing in the MMA world? Well, it’s the backstage videos of fighters after the star-studded matches of last year. The promotion has recently been dropping some bits and pieces of the backstage interaction with the fighters and the team. In one of such revelations, we got to see Israel Adesanya breaking down in his dressing room after his defeat to Sean Strickland back in UFC 293 last year.

Adesanya was the middleweight champion when he fought Strickland. ‘Stylebender’ was supposed to face Dricus Du Plessis for the match but the South African had to withdraw due to an injury and Strickland had to come forward as a replacement. The odds were totally against the American but he gave the biggest upset of the year when he clinched the middleweight title. Yet it is also notable that since then, Strickland has lost his title to Du Plessis. Regardless, a year after their clash, we got visuals of a crying Adesanya after the defeat.

Israel Adesanya broke down after losing his title back in UFC 293

Israel Adesanya is probably the biggest middleweight fighter after GSP in the promotion and his records speak for himself. However, last year was a rollercoaster ride for the man. He lost his title to Alex Pereira in 2022, regained it in 2023, and again lost it to Sean Strickland in UFC 293. It’s visible that it was a bit tough for ‘Stylebender’, it must be noted that he was one of the most active UFC champions in recent times, and losing his title was something that he was expecting.

Sean Strickland completely outperformed Israel Adesanya during their clash. Nonetheless, a year after their clash we got our hands on the backdoor visuals of Adesanya after his loss. In footage shared by the UFC, we can see Adesanya’s mother talking to his son after the loss. ” You are still the champ. If you put your gloves down today you are set for life. So don’t let anything bother you,” said Adesanya’s mother.

He later promised his father that he would clinch the belt and get him the next time. The moment was gloomy but his parents kept their composure. later, ‘Stylebender’ sat near his coach as he broke down. Regardless, Adesanya promised that he would introspect on his shortcomings and be better next time. Despite his defeat, Adesanya maintained his humbleness and praised Strickland for the victory as he met Dana White.

“Thank you for the opportunity. Thanks for making the fight happen. And again, it doesn’t matter. Even though it’s his night, it’s still history.” It’s a good story for him, it’s a good story for America. It is what it is, it’s the game,” said Adesanya. The former champion has been away from the Octagon for quite some time. What’s his next course of action? Let us find out.

What next for the ‘Last Stylebender’?

Israel Adesanya took a break from the fight world after his defeat against Strickland. It was a much-needed break in the era of delayed fighting Adesanya was fighting thrice a year even after becoming a champion. Regardless, ‘Stylebender’ has been on a hiatus since September last year and his comeback is yet to be officially scheduled by the promotion. During the hype of UFC 300, Adesanya added some cryptic messages on his social media handles which indicated that he would be fighting at the grand event but it was all a sham.

So what’s next? There are rumors that Dana White wants Israel Adesanya at the UFC 305 which is scheduled to happen at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia on August 18. This would be UFC’s third visit to Perth. White is trying his level best to clinch in Adesanya and the middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis for a clash. Rumors state that the fight is already scheduled and the announcement is yet to be made.

Adesanya vs. Du Plessis was a match that was supposed to happen last year but the fight gods had some other plans for them. Who do you think would emerge victorious if they clashed? State your thoughts in the comments below.