Israel Adesanya, former two-time middleweight champion has revealed that he is injured. Adesanya claims that this injury will leave him sidelined in the UFC until the end of February, as a best-case scenario.
Israel Adesanya’s last fight was in September, in Sydney. There, the former champion famously lost his belt in a unanimous decision loss to Sean Strickland. It was one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.
Israel Adesanya Injured
In an interview with Combat TV, Adesanya says that it will be the end of the month when he can finally train again. He elaborates on how the injury’s seriousness is a secret on purpose. To him, there is no need to advertise potential weakness.
Yeah, we’re good, we’re good. The difference is, a lot of people, when they get hurt in the game, they like to, ‘Ah, I got this injury and it’ll take this long to recover and whatnot.’ I’m like, ‘Why are you telling them?’ A smart coach who knows that injury exists will try and use it against you. I never like to let the enemy know what’s my next move.”
Despite the secrecy, it appears as if the injury is not too serious. With the comeback only being in February, and Adesanya claiming that everything is going ‘smoothly’, all seems to be good for the former two-time champ.
When I come back into the gym and start training full-time, I’m in a new space with a new energy… Probably end of next month, maybe. With the way I heal my body I don’t think it’ll take that long, but yeah, end of next month I’m probably thinking. I’m going to do rehab now… and yeah, things are trucking along quite nicely, tracking along quite nicely.
Israel Adesanya via Combat TV
Israel Adesanya’s Fight Career
Israel Adesanya (24-3) entered the UFC in 2018, quickly establishing himself in the middleweight division. His style, characterised by striking prowess and adaptability, led to him securing the interim UFC Middleweight Championship in April 2019 by defeating Kelvin Gastelum. Later that year, he unified the interim title with the undisputed championship by defeating Robert Whittaker.
Israel Adesanya has successfully defended his middleweight title against various challengers, showcasing his ability to navigate diverse opponents. In March 2021, he moved up to the light heavyweight division to face Jan Błachowicz but suffered his first MMA defeat in that title bout.
The fighter’s journey is marked by a mix of victories and setbacks. With notable wins against opponents like Gastelum, Whittaker, and others, alongside his losses to Błachowicz and Strickland.
In particular, Adesanya’s tenacity is best shown through his victory with Alex Pereira, who now holds the light heavyweight title.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
