Israel Adesanya (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

As of this post’s publication, the UFC  has yet to announce Israel Adesanya’s next fight. But, the former middleweight champ is signalling that he could be back in the Octagon sooner than later.

Following Adesanya’s decision loss to Sean Strickland last September, the star announced he was taking a break from fighting. But, in more recent weeks, there’s been increasing speculation that the UFC is hoping to have Adesanya fight current middleweight champ, Dricus Du Plessis, at the promotion’s August 18th card in Australia.

In a recent video that went up on Adesanya’s official YouTube page,  it was reported Adesanya has begun a training camp. In the video, “The Last Stylebender” acknowledged he’s excited to fight again (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).

“How excited am I to get back in the octagon? I’m excited,” Adesanya said. “I’m excited, it’s been a year — almost a year, like 11 months by the time I get back in the octagon. People are like, ‘Oh, I hope you get the belt back, I hope you get the belt back,’ I have belts. I don’t need any more belts. I’m coming for heads. That’s what I want to do.

“Just a few that I have to touch, and take.”

The 34-year-old Adesanya (24-3) has gone 3-2 in his last five contests, with his other loss during that timeframe coming against Alex Pereira.

Du Plessis (21-2), who is 30, has not competed since he defeated Strickland by decision in January to claim the title. Both Du Plessis and Adesanya have repeatedly called for a bout between the two in recent months.

The UFC’s August 18th card will take place in Perth.