“I had other plans, but life throws us surprises,” Adesanya said at a press conference following the UFC 293 event in Sydney. “Win or lose, I wasn’t going to say much anyway. I lost to someone who was better than me tonight. Right now I want to be with the people who care about me – my team. They’re waiting for me, so I’m going to them.”
“But I’m leaving it in the capable hands of someone who’s a lot smarter than me – my coach Eugene Bayrman. I’m sure he can handle it, and I’m going to get some rest, eat breakfast, and take care of my family until it’s time to come back.”
Minutes after leaving the press conference, the Nigerian posted a short video on social media in which he spoke cryptically about the defeat.
“I’m still thriving – I’m doing great. I hate to lose but I love to live. I’ll socialize with my family first, and then I’ll reach out to people. But right now I have to put the personal first. I have to take care of myself.”
UFC President, Dana White, while commenting on the defeat of Israel Adesanya, stated that the Nigerian will get an immediate rematch and will next fight again against Sean Strickland, who defeated him by unanimous 49-46 three times and stripped him of the championship belt.