Israel Adesanya is taking a sabbatical from professional fighting to regroup and prepare for the future.

Adesanya who took the decision after losing his middleweight championship to Sean Strickland, says he has to take some time off from the sports to recharge and come back stronger.

The Nigerian born New Zealander had an impressive career, dominating the middleweight and winning the title twice.

“I’m not making any excuses. Strickland got me on the night because he was the better fighter on the night, and he did his work well. He had a good team behind him. Now I’m going to take time to look after myself.”

“I’m not going to fight for a long time. I’m definitely not going to retire, because that’s not me,” Adesanya told The Rock FM in his native New Zealand.

“But if I did, I’m fine. I don’t need to prove anything else. But I know what I can do, and I know what I can change in my lifestyle to make my body adapt to where I need to be. I’m going to heal myself up.”

Adesanya revealed he his team turned down an offer to fight Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294.

“I’m sure they called my team up, and my team were like, ‘He’s not fighting right now.’ If I wanted to, I could. That would be cool,” he said.​

“Four fights in the last 14 months, it takes a toll on your body,” he added, noting that he had seen the doctors and done specialist tests to get himself back ready for fighting.

“I’m just going to take my time to heal, and then when I come back, f**king run for the hills,” the two-time champion said.