Daniel Cormier: “Adesanya Shouldn’t Have A Rematch With Strickland”

Daniel Cormier isn’t interested in seeing Israel Adesanya back in the Octagon anytime soon, let alone another championship fight with Sean Strickland. Adesanya (28-5 MMA, 15-5 UFC) was the victim of a major upset on Saturday when he lost the middleweight title to Strickland (24-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC) by unanimous decision at UFC 293, which took venue at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena.

It was a lopsided result in Strickland’s favour and put Adesanya in the career-high territory with two losses in his last three. After having a dominant run atop the division during his first title reign, Adesanya lost the belt to Alex Pereira in November. He got it back in an immediate rematch in April, only to lose it again to Strickland one fight later.

Adesanya has been one of the most active high-level fighters in UFC history over the last few years, and it appears the UFC is already planning to reward him with another rematch. UFC president Dana White said after the fight at UFC 293 that he wants to do it again, but UFC Hall of Famer and colour commentator Daniel Cormier believes that’s the wrong move.

“The last time Izzy lost, all we could talk about was that he should be next again. I don’t think so this time. I don’t think he should fight for a belt next. I don’t think he should get an automatic rematch. I think the division needs to move forward a little bit.”

Although Adesanya has the most value in the division due to his accomplishments, he is not the only worthy contender. Dricus Du Plessis has a case after his loss to Robert Whittaker in July, Jared Cannonier was the substitute fighter at UFC 293, and the winner of next month’s UFC 294 showdown between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa will also enter the fray. Cormier said he wants some of those names to get a chance to fight Strickland before Adesanya.

“It’s like a whole new world, right? Like The Little Mermaid: a whole new world. Sean Strickland now opens up the possibility of many new matchups. Cannonier just stepped in as well and has a win over Sean Strickland.

“But I have to imagine Dricus Du Plessis will be next, especially after being the one who was supposed to be here tonight. I will tell you that he is kicking himself in South Africa right now because if there was a time to get Adesanya, tonight was the night. There was a lot involved in this fight, and Sean Strickland did what he was supposed to do. But I imagine Du Plessis unless Khamzat Chimaev eliminates Paulo Costa.”