UFC 293, Sean Strickland left the world of MMA in awe by dethroning Israel Adesanya and emerging as the new middleweight champion.
The stunning upset occurred in the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, where Strickland showcased his undeniable dominance in a unanimous decision victory, with all judges scoring it 49-46.
“I’m still waiting to wake up”@SStricklandMMA is living the dream after #UFC293 🏆 pic.twitter.com/VOLxMSxw1n
— UFC (@ufc) September 10, 2023
The battle unfolded as Strickland, the fifth-ranked middleweight, caught everyone’s attention in the very first round. With a thunderous left-right combination, he shattered Adesanya’s guard, sending the reigning champion to the canvas. The Last Stylebender visibly rocked, and even turned his back to Tarzan, who seized the opportunity to unleash a relentless assault, almost finishing the fight then and there.
It was a moment when the crowd held its breath, and Strickland would later reflect on how surreal his victory was. “Am I f***ing dreaming? Am I going to wake up? Somebody hit me. Oh my God, you guys. Literally bro, never million years I thought I would be here,” said Strickland.
.@SStricklandMMA at a loss for words after becoming the undisputed champ 👏 #UFC293 pic.twitter.com/K52vxmLsL1
— UFC (@ufc) September 10, 2023
The key to Strickland’s victory was his unwavering forward fighting pressure and impeccable boxing skills. He maintained a constant and composed attack, keeping Adesanya on the defensive throughout the match. Sean’s poised use of the jab and stiff shots disrupted Israel’s rhythm, preventing him from finding his footing or establishing his groove in the Octagon.
However, Adesanya, renowned for his striking abilities, found himself struggling to deal with Strickland’s relentless movement and unyielding assault.
Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland: Breakdown Round 1 to 5
Round 1: In Round 1, there’s no glove touch as Strickland inches forward but misses a head kick from Adesanya. Sean keeps moving forward, while Israel studies his opponent.
The champ lands leg kicks, and Strickland lands a right hand. Then, a huge right hand from Sean drops Israel, who’s in trouble. Strickland pummels him with right hands. (10-9 Strickland).
Round 2: In Round 2, Adesanya got caught but survived. He returns peppering jabs and leg kicks. The champ lands an overhand right and Strickland remains patient.
Israel Adesanya buries a jab into Sean Strickland’s midsection and lands a leg kick. Strickland grazes Adesanya with a right in the closing seconds. Israel slightly takes this round. (10-9 Adesanya, 19-19).
Round 3: In Round 3, Strickland’s team calls for some grappling in addition to striking. Body kicks graze Strickland, who keeps moving forward. Adesanya briefly fights forward but returns to the back foot as Strickland pressures. Both fighters exchange right hands, and Strickland edges this close round by landing some clean shots late. (10-9 Strickland, 29-28)
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Round 4: In Round 4, Adesanya is constantly on the back foot due to Strickland’s forward movement. The champ expends a lot of energy moving around the Octagon. He needs to put together something impactful soon. Sean lands combinations and Israel responds with a right hand and a combination of his own.
Halfway through the round, Tarzan continues to press forward, but Izzy lands a sharp right. However, Sean Strickland narrowly takes this round. (10-9 Strickland, 39-37).
Round 5: In Round 5, the champ comes out aggressively, aiming to defend his title successfully. He’s using leg kicks and looking to connect with a right hand if Strickland bends at the knee. Adesanya keeps moving around the cage, while Strickland lands a right hand.
Israel responds with a right of his own. Sean blocks a head-kick attempt. With one minute left, Tarzan talks to the champ while pressuring him. Adesanya lands a body kick, and Strickland lands a right hand at the end. Strickland’s steady pressure and boxing seem to put him in the lead as they await the judges’ scores. (10-9 Strickland, 49-46).
After five intense rounds of action, Strickland’s victory was undeniable. The judges’ unanimous decision reflected the skill and determination he displayed in the cage.
STRICKLAND SHOCKS THE WORLD 😱@SStricklandMMA defeats Adesanya by unanimous decision to become the NEW middleweight champ!
[ #UFC293 | B2YB @Manscaped ] pic.twitter.com/QyhUWQFj3k
— UFC (@ufc) September 10, 2023
Sean Strickland becomes the new UFC Middleweight Champion, a testament to his spirit and talent. His win is a historic victory in MMA history.
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