- Sean Strickland pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history by outstriking Israel Adesanya to win the middleweight title
- Despite having a heated build to the main event, Adesanya congratulated a tearful Strickland after the results were confirmed
Sean Strickland pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history by outstriking Israel Adesanya to win the middleweight title. The cards read 49-46, 49-46, 49-46 in favour of Strickland, who pressed forward relentlessly in over five rounds. The American landed 137 strikes compared to Adesanya’s 94 to take the belt.
Strickland came into the fight as a heavy underdog but emerged victorious in the end. The 32-year-old has now won three consecutive UFC bouts and nine of his last 11. On the other hand, Adesanya (24-3-0) has lost two of his last three fights.
Sean Strickland Adesanya in action at UFC 293. Photo/ BJ Penn.
Sean Strickland, who claimed two years ago that he would like to ‘kill’ an opponent in the Octagon one day, combined constant forward movement with solid defence to outsmart Adesanya. He sent his opponent spinning to the canvas before seeking a finish in style.
Despite having a heated build to the main event, Adesanya congratulated a tearful Strickland after the results were confirmed.
“Am I dreaming? Am I going to wake up? Somebody hit me. Never in a million years did I think I would be here. I don’t cry much but I’m trying to keep [myself] together right now.” Sean Strickland said after his victory, as per BBC Sports.
How Sean Strickland Defeated Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya was originally set to face South African star Dricus Du Plesis. However, the UFC was forced to find a new opponent for Adesanya after Du Plesis suffered an injury.
Since the Nigerian-New Zealander has already beaten other top stars in the middleweight division such as Marvin Vettori and Jared Cannonier, Stricken was handed the opportunity. Despite coming into the bout after two wins, very few fans and pundits believed that he could dethrone Adesanya.
The first round of the Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland bout was uneventful. However, the odds started to even out after Strickland dropped Adesanya with a powerful right hand. As you would expect, the reigning champion bounced back and continued to fight until the end of the round.
Adesanya got into life in the second round, peppering his opponent with leg kicks. However, Strickland looked tough and pushed forward in an aggressive manner.
Halfway through the fight, it was quite evident that Adesanya was losing it. Strickland’s corner even asked for more urgency, saying “we didn’t come all this way to lose a decision”.
Sean Strickland defeated Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision. Photo/ MMA Fighting.
Eventually, the fight was over and Strickland raised his arms in celebration knowing he was the victor. As many expected, the judges announced the 32-year-old American as the victor. He beat Adesanya 49-46 on all three scorecards.
In other action, Alexander Volkov (37-10) won his heavyweight bout by submission in the second round against Tai Tuivasa.
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