“I Think It’s a Lot More Than Minor Adjustments.”- Sean Strickland’s Coach Thinks Israel Adesanya Needs a Better Gameplan if Rematch Happens

Published 09/13/2023, 2:37 AM EDT

In a stunning turn of events at UFC 293, Israel Adesanya faced defeat at the hands of Sean Strickland, defying the heavy odds stacked in his favor. Strickland secured a unanimous decision victory after dropping Adesanya in the first round and maintaining dominance throughout the fight.

Amid the post-fight discussions and speculations, Strickland’s coach, Erick Nicksick, shared his perspective in an interview with MMAjunkie. When asked about the possibility of an immediate rematch, Nicksick expressed his thoughts on whether Adesanya deserves it. And what he believes it will take for Adesanya to avenge his loss.

Erick Nicksick believes this is how Israel Adesanya wins a rematch

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Nicksick acknowledged the merit of an Adesanya rematch. He cited the former champion’s impressive history and work in the middleweight division. However, he also pointed out that the adjustments required for Adesanya to win would extend beyond minor changes. Nicksick emphasized that Adesanya would need to do much more to secure a win in the rematch.

According to Nicksick, “…kind of hearing their thoughts on some minor adjustments and they win that fight, I think it’s a lot more than minor adjustments. I think there’s a lot more to be done, but with that being said, I still think Israel ranks up there No.1, No.2, best middleweight to ever do it, so if he wants to run it back, by all means that’s a fight that needs to happen.”

Despite his critique of the necessary adjustments, Nicksick held Adesanya in high regard. Considering him among the top middleweights in the sport’s history. He recognized Adesanya as the number one or number two middleweight fighter of all time. He also acknowledged that a rematch could be a compelling and deserving matchup. Furthermore, there is one analyst who agrees that Adesanya deserves an immediate rematch.

The future of the UFC middleweight title

During the UFC 293 post-fight press conference, Dana White stated that Adesanya will most likely challenge for his title again in an immediate rematch with Sean Strickland. However, the statement drew scrutiny from many fans and analysts who disagreed with the immediate rematch.

In an interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, former UFC middleweight title contender Chael Sonnen expressed his belief that an immediate rematch is the most viable option. Sonnen supports an immediate rematch between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, believing it would be a lucrative move, as sequels typically outperform the original events in terms of business. He stated, “The sequel generally does better than the original.”

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In conclusion, the unexpected outcome of the Strickland vs. Adesanya fight has raised questions about the possibility of an immediate rematch. While Nicksick pointed out the challenges that Adesanya would need to overcome, he also acknowledged Adesanya’s status as one of the greatest middleweights ever. Whether or not a rematch materializes remains to be seen. But the bout would undoubtedly garner significant attention from the MMA community.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! Do you think Adesanya should get an immediate rematch? Or is it time for someone else to step up to the top of the division?

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Written by:

Dushyant Patni is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. He fell in love with MMA at the tender age of fourteen and his appreciation for the craft has led him to become a practitioner, too. With a master's degree in English and an extensive background as a writer and editor, he uses his technical ability to articulate the nuances of the sport.

Edited by:

Rupkamal Sarma

“I Think It’s a Lot More Than Minor Adjustments.”- Sean Strickland’s Coach Thinks Israel Adesanya Needs a Better Gameplan if Rematch Happens

Erick Nicksick believes this is how Israel Adesanya wins a rematch

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The future of the UFC middleweight title