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Strickland’s victory over Adesanya in Sydney ranks as one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, and ‘The Last Stylebender’ has wanted another chance ever since. Earlier this year, he made it clear that a rematch was the only fight he cared about, calling out Strickland directly. Strickland never responded to the challenge. He was also dealing with a suspension at the time, after an incident in which he attacked a regional fighter while cornering a teammate. Given all that, Adesanya has now moved on and says he’s open to fighting anyone. He said to Submission Radio: “I mean, I’m not surprised. If you want to get something done right, do it right the first time. That’s the lesson I learned. “He [Strickland] is doing other things in his own life. He’s made the money he wanted to make. I don’t want to be waiting around. “I’ve moved on. I just want to fight…I’m staying ready for any and everyone.” Israel Adesanya believes rising contender could trouble Khamzat Chimaev Although Adesanya is no longer in the title mix at middleweight, he is still paying attention to how things are shaping up in the division he once ruled. He took note when Imavov, his last opponent, added another win to his record by beating Caio Borralho at UFC Paris. That victory appeared to put Imavov next in line for a shot at Khamzat Chimaev. If that bout gets booked, Adesanya is not ruling out Imavov’s chances. “I’m not gonna (count) out Imavov now, because of his takedown defense,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. “If he can take away the wrestling from Khamzat, he’ll give him problems. That’s all you have to do. Khamzat can strike, but I see what I see. “His wrestling is his main weapon, and he commits a lot to the wrestling. He gets the f—— grip, he takes people down, and keeps them down. If Nassourdine can get past that, he’ll give Khamzat problems. “Right now, Khamzat is on point and has momentum behind him. So has Imavov. “Who will win? We’ll see.”
