Sean Strickland hitting Israel Adesanya (right)(image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Following Sean Strickland’s stunning victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293, there’s been a lot of talk about the latter’s performance and how a rematch might look. But, according to Strickland’s coach, Eric Nicksick, the argument Adesanya doesn’t need to make major adjustments is wrong.

Strickland outstruck Adesanya in the main event of the recent event and took the middleweight title via unanimous decision. Afterward, Adesanya’s head coach, Eugene Bareman said the renowned striker would be ready for a rematch next week if needed.

But, while talking with MMA Junkie, Nicksick had a different take on how much work Adesanya will need to put in before facing Strickland again.

“I don’t really care,” Nicksick said. “I think from an outsider’s perspective, I think Israel always deserves a rematch just from his history alone and his body of work. I think 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 middleweights to ever do it. If he wants to run it back, by all means I think that’s a fight that needs to happen then.”

After the event, UFC President Dana White relayed that he thinks an immediate rematch between Adesanya and Strickland is the fight to make. Adesanya (24-3) was given an immediate rematch with Alex Pereira after he was knocked out by the decorated kickboxer at UFC 281 last November.