After suffering a unanimous decision loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 and pleading guilty to drunk driving in the aftermath of the defeat, Israel Adesanya has decided to take an extended break from fighting. Adesanya acknowledged Strickland's superiority on the night of the fight and credited his opponent's performance. He expressed a need to focus on self-care and well-being.
Adesanya made it clear that he's not retiring, as he believes there's more to achieve in his career. However, he emphasized that he won't be returning to the octagon anytime soon. Despite recent setbacks, he's confident in his abilities and is determined to make necessary lifestyle changes to prepare for his next fight.
Having faced a challenging schedule with four fights in the last 18 months, Adesanya wants to prioritize his health and recovery. When he eventually returns to the octagon, he sends a fiery warning to the division, promising to be a force to reckon with.