Israel Adesanya (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Following his upset defeat to Sean Strickland last month, Israel Adesanya is reporting it will be a while before the former champ fights again.

Adesanya faced Strickland at UFC 293 on September 10th and lost the fight via unanimous decision. Immediately after the bout, UFC President Dana White expressed an interest in booking an immediate rematch. But, it seems clear that the 34-year-old Adesanya isn’t thinking about competing, anytime soon.

While appearing on The Rock FM in New Zealand recently, “The Last Stylebender” confirmed he’s taking a break (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“I’m not making any excuses. Strickland got me on the night because he was the better fighter on the night. He did his work well, he had a good team behind him.

“I never made excuses. I gave him props, but now I’m going to take time to look after myself, and I’m not going to fight for a long time. I’m definitely not going to retire, I know me — and if I did, I’m fine, I don’t need to prove anything else — but I know what I can do. I know what I can change in my lifestyle to make my adapt to where I need to be.

“I’m going to heal myself up. You won’t see me fight for a long time.”

Adesanya (24-3) was fighting for the fourth time in approximately one year at UFC 293. Following his decision win over Jared Cannonier last July, the noted striker was knocked out by Alex Pereira in November. The Nigerian-born fighter avenged that defeat in April, by taking out Pereira in round two.

Adesanya also made news in September, after it was reported the fighter pleaded guilty to a drunk driving charge after being pulled over on August 19th.