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UFC

Israel Adesanya loses Middleweight Championship to Sean Strickland at UFC 293

Sean “Tarzan” Strickland (28-5-0) is the new undisputed UFC middleweight champion of the world following a majority decision victory against Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya (24-3-0) in the main event of UFC 287 on Saturday night. Sean Strickland dethroned Israel Adesanya to become the new UFC middleweight title, something many thought was impossible.

Dricus Du Plessis was the original choice to compete for the middleweight title, but injuries pulled him out, and Strickland was called up instead.

Late in the first round, Adesanya was knocked out hard with a blazing straight right hand. Strickland was instantly on top of him and blazing away, but referee Marc Goddard gave Adesanya plenty of room and he survived the round. But Strickland continued marching forward, kept his defence up, and never let Adesanya get away.

When the fight was over, Strickland yelled at Adesanya before raising his arms and sprinting around the cage in celebration. Strickland, who is notorious for being loud, brash, and arrogant, was modest in triumph, but he had plenty of cause to be.

Strickland kept Adesanya on the back foot throughout the fight, but was extremely cautious when it came to swinging. He didn’t even attempt a kick all night.

Adesanya kept moving about the octagon looking for his places, and he only won the second round due to activity. Adesanya concentrated on leg kicks and failed to injure Strickland, who drew blood from his opponent. All night, Strickland did precisely the same thing. He went forward, arms up, ready to counter Adesanya’s blows and kicks. He closed down the distance, denying the 6-foot-4 Adesanya’s range, and relied largely on his jab. When the opportunity arose, he took benefit of it and would bring the right after it.

Adesanya’s face was wounded and bloated, and he appeared to be struggling to breathe. Adesanya was courteous in defeat, like he had been in previous defeats, giving Strickland respect despite the American striking him after the final bell.

Israel Adesanya’s MMA record fell to 24-3, while Sean Strickland improved to 28-5 during UFC 293. Adesanya is undeniably one of the most accomplished middleweights of all time, but this is his second defeat in three fights. After losing terribly to Alex Pereira, he came back strong to knock out his long-time opponent and reclaim his championship in the rematch.

Adesanya made a brief appearance at the post-fight press conference, admitting that Strickland was the better man on the night before passing over to City Kickboxing’s Eugene Bareman for a rare occasion in which a coach takes the podium.

Bareman hopes the UFC schedules a rapid rematch between Adesanya and Strickland because he believes they can reclaim the championship. He’s already shown an interest to UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard. Bareman feels Adesanya wasn’t at his best and believes they can beat Strickland even if they fight right away.

Priyadarshan G

Priyadarshan G

priyadarshan

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