Although he announced after his defeat by Sean Strickland in September that he would be taking a break until 2027, Israel Adesanya could return to the cage as early as 2024. In fact, he will headline UFC 300, scheduled for April. Veteran fighter Chael Sonnen made the announcement on his YouTube channel. "The reason the fight between Strickland and Du Plessis has been rushed is that the winner will face Izzy at UFC 300. It's not done, which I've also made very clear, but it's the option that's most tempting to preserve. Izzy has spoken about it, he hasn't given us a commitment but he's come close. One thing I'd like is for Izzy to take the lead. I'd prefer it if, before Strickland vs. Du Plessis, Izzy was the first to commit and said, 'I'll be expecting you in April at UFC 300,'" says Sonnen.
Strickland, who defeated Adesanya to capture the middleweight title, will face South African Dricus du Plessis on January 21, 2024.
