Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is back in training, fueling speculation about his upcoming return to the octagon. This news comes after an intriguing co-main event at UFC 302, where Sean Strickland emerged victorious against Paulo Costa via a split decision.

The highly anticipated clash between Costa and Strickland lived up to its billing, with both fighters promising a “massacre” throughout the fight week. Adesanya, keenly interested in the outcome, was among the many captivated viewers of the co-headliner.

Just hang up, I’m dialed in. ☎️ pic.twitter.com/WeMQH8Wb6c

— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) June 3, 2024

Strickland’s win at UFC 302, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, adds another layer of intrigue to Adesanya’s potential return. While a rematch with Strickland might be on the horizon, Adesanya’s immediate focus is on dethroning current champion Dricus Du Plessis and reclaiming his middleweight title.

Nicknamed “The Last Stylebender,” Adesanya is expected to be Du Plessis’ first challenger at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia this August. However, an official announcement regarding the opponent remains pending. Regardless of the outcome of the Adesanya vs. Du Plessis fight, the winner is likely to face Strickland in a championship rematch, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to this middleweight saga.