I Don’t Need Any More Belts… Israel Adesanya Reveals His True Motivation For Returning Amid UFC 305 Speculation

Photo: Instagram/Israel Adesanya

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, also known as 'The Last Stylebender,' has been absent from the Octagon for nearly a year. His last fight ended in a surprising loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September, where he lost his 185lb title after five rounds.

Rumors are circulating that Adesanya will make his return at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, this August. He is expected to challenge current champion Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight title.

Adesanya has explained his return, emphasizing that it’s not just about reclaiming the belt. After his defeat, the 34-year-old took a break to recover from numerous injuries. During this time, he also made significant lifestyle changes to optimize his training and overall health.

Photo: Instagram/Israel Adesanya

“I’m putting in work. I just want to optimize myself better than I was,” Adesanya shared in a recent YouTube video. He highlighted changes in his diet and training routine, now ensuring he has a proper meal before training sessions.

While a title shot against Du Plessis seems likely, Adesanya revealed his main motivation for returning isn't solely about the belt. “I’m excited to get back into the Octagon. People always say, ‘I hope you get the belt back.’ I have belts. I don’t need any more belts; I’m coming for heads,” he said.

Du Plessis, who has a contentious history with Adesanya, confirmed he has agreed to the fight and is eager for it to be officially announced. "I’m ready and I’ve agreed to everything," Du Plessis told Fightwave. "I called him out after winning the belt and that’s the fight the fans want to see.”

The UFC might be waiting for the outcome of another big middleweight fight between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev, scheduled for June 22nd, before making the announcement.

Read Next: Gervonta Davis Names Mike Tyson And Floyd Mayweather Among Top Three Fighters Ever

Source: Bloody Elbow 

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