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Published 19:59 IST, June 17th 2024

Israel Adesanya announces SENSATIONAL UFC return; Reveals opponent and date of comeback

Israel Adesanya, who is unarguably one of the greatest ever superstars to grace UFC's octagon has revealed his return date. He'll mark his comeback at UFC 305.

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Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland, UFC
Israel Adesanya reacts after his UFC match | Image: AP

Israel Adesanya, who is unarguably one of the greatest ever superstars to grace UFC's octagon is scheduled to make his return. The former Middleweight Champion hasn't stepped foot inside the ring since the loss against Sean Strickland at UFC 293. He is confirmed for a UFC 305 return and will take on Dricus Du Plessis to re-capture the Middleweight strap.

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Israel Adesanya will mark his return at UFC 305

After getting dominated by Sean Strickland at UFC 293, thereby losing the fight by a unanimous decision, Israel Adesanya made it known that he would be taking a long break from MMA action and would return after a sizeable period. The period of no-activity has passed as the Last Stylebender's return has been confirmed.

Adesanya will step inside the UFC ring after almost a year. He last fought in September 2023 and will return to the 8-sided figure in August 2024. His comeback will revitalise the rivalry he had developed with Dricus du Plessis. The two had a major faceoff at UFC 290, where Du Plessis defeated Robert Whittaker and undisputedly became the next in line to face Adesanya, who was the champion back then. Initially, Adesanya vs Du Plessis was in the works for UFC 293, however, an injury took Du Plessis out, and he was replaced by Strickland. A year later, the match-up is set to materialise but this time the champion of the past has become the challenger, whereas the challenger has become the champion. Dricus du Plessis vs Israel Adesanya will headline the UFC 305 PPV on August 17, 2024. The fight will take place at RAC Arena, in Perth, Australia.

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Who will enter with better odds?

It will be hard to bet who will prevail in the match but with the famed past and almost an unblemished record former UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya may enter with the odds favouring him. It is set to be an intriguing fight as both Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis have their set of strengths.

Updated 19:59 IST, June 17th 2024