Breaking News: “The Last Stylebender” Eyes Octagon Return as Adesanya Tells Coach He’s Ready to Fight Again
MMA fans worldwide just got the news they’ve been waiting for – Israel Adesanya wants back in the cage. The former two-time UFC middleweight champion has reportedly informed his longtime coach Eugene Bareman that he’s ready to return to action, setting the stage for what could be one of the most anticipated comebacks in recent UFC history.
Adesanya’s Return: What We Know So Far
After losing his middleweight crown to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 last September in a shocking upset, “Izzy” has been relatively quiet about his fighting future. The Nigerian-born New Zealand fighter took some well-deserved time away from the spotlight after a busy few years that saw him compete in multiple title fights across two weight classes.
But now, according to reliable sources, Adesanya has given Bareman the green light to start preparing for his return to the octagon. This is HUGE news for the middleweight division, which has seen some serious shakeups during his absence.
What This Means for the UFC Middleweight Division
Adesanya’s potential return throws a fascinating wrench into the 185-pound title picture. With current champion Dricus Du Plessis recently defending his belt against Israel’s rival Israel Adesanya, and former champ Sean Strickland still in the mix, Izzy’s comeback creates some mouth-watering matchup possibilities.
I’m personally wondering if the UFC might fast-track Adesanya straight into a title shot given his star power and previous reign. Or will he need to fight his way back through a top contender first? The promotional possibilities are endless!
Potential Comeback Opponents for Adesanya
| Potential Opponent | Current Ranking | Storyline Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Dricus Du Plessis | Champion | Title shot, unfinished business after heated exchanges |
| Sean Strickland | #1 | Revenge fight, chance to avenge upset loss |
| Robert Whittaker | #3 | Trilogy fight, 1-1 record between them |
| Khamzat Chimaev | #6 | Fresh matchup, generational clash |
The Adesanya Factor: Why His Return Matters
Let’s be real – the UFC middleweight division just hits different when Adesanya is active. Love him or hate him, the man brings eyeballs to the sport like few others can. His flashy fighting style, elite striking, and undeniable charisma make him one of the biggest draws in the company.
At 34 years old, Adesanya isn’t exactly a spring chicken in fighting terms, but he doesn’t have the mileage of many fighters his age. His kickboxing background and relatively clean fighting style have helped preserve his body, suggesting he could still have several prime years ahead of him.
What Coach Eugene Bareman Brings to the Table
The fact that Adesanya went directly to Bareman speaks volumes about their relationship. The City Kickboxing head coach has been instrumental in Izzy’s UFC success, and their partnership has produced some of the most technically brilliant performances we’ve seen in the octagon.
Bareman’s strategic mind combined with Adesanya’s exceptional fight IQ and execution ability makes them one of the most dangerous fighter-coach duos in the sport. Their reunion for this comeback attempt should have opponents worried.
The Big Questions About Adesanya’s Return
As excited as I am about this news, I’ve got some burning questions:
- When will he return? – Late 2023 or early 2024 seems most likely
- Has he made adjustments? – The Strickland loss exposed some holes in his game
- Title shot or tune-up fight? – Which route will the UFC choose for his comeback?
- Is the motivation still there? – After achieving so much, does he still have the hunger?
What’s Next for The Last Stylebender?
While no official fight announcement has been made, this news confirms what many of us hoped – Adesanya isn’t done with MMA. The timing couldn’t be better for the UFC, which is always looking for marquee matchups for their major events.
I’ll be keeping a close eye on any developments regarding potential opponents and dates. Given Adesanya’s star power, expect his return fight to headline a major pay-per-view event, possibly at Madison Square Garden or in Australia/New Zealand if the timing aligns.
The Bottom Line: Middleweight Just Got More Interesting
Whether you’re Team Izzy or not, there’s no denying that his return adds a jolt of electricity to the 185-pound division. His technical brilliance, highlight-reel potential, and undeniable star power make him a must-watch fighter every time he steps into the octagon.
What do you think about Adesanya’s potential return? Are you excited to see him back in action? Who should he fight in his comeback bout? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The Last Stylebender is coming back, and the middleweight division is officially on notice.