Sean Strickland stuns Israel Adesanya and dethrone him at UFC 293 – In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Sean Strickland emerged victorious against the formidable Israel Adesanya in a UFC championship showdown that will be remembered for years to come. The battle which took place over five intense rounds showcased the resilience and tactical prowess of both fighters leaving spectators on the edge of their seats until the final bell rang.
Main Event: Sean Strickland vs Israel Adesanya
The opening round saw both fighters adopting their preferred stances with Adesanya maintaining his open and loose posture while Strickland cautiously advanced with his distinctive shell guard. Strickland’s approach was marked by a sense of caution, as he was mindful of Adesanya’s exceptional striking abilities. However, he found himself biting on Adesanya’s feints, a less-than-ideal situation for the challenger.
Round two witnessed Adesanya’s remarkable recovery. He began to take the fight more seriously, adopting a strategy that involved backing Strickland up with his striking combinations. Adesanya’s focus shifted from smothering Strickland’s lead hand to effectively scoring points while maintaining space in the center of the octagon.
Strickland continued to cut off the cage, landing some significant shots, and Izzy began to feel more confident in the center of the octagon. He employed leg kicks and body shots, gradually increasing his work rate. Strickland, however, managed to land a clean left hook, showcasing his counter-punching skills.
The third round saw both corners urging their fighters to step up their game. Strickland’s corner recognized the opportunity to win, while Adesanya’s corner urged him to regain control. Despite some feints and jabs from both fighters, not much significant offense occurred in this round.
The final round saw Adesanya in a dire situation, realizing that he needed a finish to retain his title. Strickland continued to march forward relentlessly, stifling Adesanya’s offense with his solid defensive skills and effective combinations. Despite Izzy’s efforts to circle away and employ various techniques, Strickland remained a constant presence, tagging him with jabs and right hands.
Results
Main Card:
- Sean Strickland def. Israel Adesanya
- Alexander Volkov def. Tai Tuivasa
- Manel Kape def. Felipe dos Santos
- Justin Tafa def. Austen Lane
- Tyson Pedro def. Anton Turkalj
Prelims:
- Carlos Ulberg def. Da Un Jung
- Chepe Mariscal def. Jack Jenkins
- Jamie Mullarkey def. John Makdessi
- Nasrat Haqparast def. Landon Quinones
- Charlie Radtke def. Blood Diamond
- Gabriel Miranda def. Shane Young
- Kevin Jousset def. Kiefer Crosbie
