In an upcoming UFC event, former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is set to make his highly anticipated return after nearly a year away from the octagon. The Nigerian-born fighter suffered a surprising defeat against Sean Strickland in September 2023, which not only cost him the title but also marked the end of his reign. Adesanya is now gearing up for a title showdown against new champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305.

Daniel Cormier, who will be part of the broadcast team for UFC 305, believes Adesanya made the right decision by taking time off following his loss. Cormier noted that Adesanya had been riding a wave of success for an extended period, headlining multiple fights in quick succession. The former champion's intense schedule led Cormier to believe that some time off was necessary for Adesanya to regroup and recharge.

Adesanya had been particularly active in the UFC, participating in five fights between 2022 and 2023, culminating with his defeat by Strickland. Following this setback, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Adesanya would compete for the title upon his return, leading to the highly anticipated matchup against du Plessis at UFC 305.

The rivalry between Adesanya and du Plessis has been brewing for some time, with both fighters exchanging harsh words over the past couple of years. The animosity reached new heights when personal insults were exchanged ahead of their title fight in Perth.

As Adesanya prepares for this crucial matchup, Cormier acknowledges the immense pressure on the former champion. Not only does Adesanya aim to avenge his recent loss, but he also seeks to prove himself against a heated rival like du Plessis. Cormier expressed his excitement for the intensity and bad blood between the two fighters, stating that such rivalries make for thrilling matches.

Despite being the challenger in this title fight, Adesanya carries significant stakes. At 35 years old, Adesanya is nearing the latter part of his career, making it imperative for him to secure a victory to maintain his position in the competitive middleweight division.

Cormier highlighted du Plessis' confidence leading up to the fight, with the champion expressing doubts about Adesanya's current form. Du Plessis publicly stated that Adesanya's light might be dimming or even completely out, challenging the former champion to prove otherwise at UFC 305.

With the stakes high for both fighters, Adesanya is determined to demonstrate that he remains a dominant force in the middleweight division. The upcoming title fight against du Plessis will serve as a pivotal moment in Adesanya's career, potentially shaping his future trajectory within the UFC.