This is not a drill, but it is history.
Sean Strickland is the UFC middleweight champion.
In all-time shocking fashion, Strickland (27-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) put on a career performance when he needed it most when he defeated Israel Adesanya (24-2 MMA, 13-2 UFC) via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) at UFC 293.
The middleweight title fight was the main event of UFC 293, which took place Saturday at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNews/ESPN+ and early prelims on ESPN+.
Strickland puzzled Adesanya for five rounds, dropping and nearly finishing the now-former titleholder with a shocking overhand right in Round 1. While Adesanya took a tactical approach in Round 2, Strickland put forth three consistent sessions in the final three rounds. Strickland’s jabs and hooks worked throughout the showing.
SEAN STRICKLAND APPLIED THE PRESSURE 💥 #UFC293 pic.twitter.com/AJ7lMKqDf2
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 10, 2023
When the two fighters opened and traded, Strickland almost always did noticeable damage to Adesanya. Xtreme Couture coach Eric Nicksick stayed on his fighter between rounds, encouraging Strickland to go for the finish rather than point-fight.
The advice was well-received, as Strickland pushed the pace for 25 minutes. In Round 5, a fired-up Strickland pursued Adesanya until the final bell before letting out a burst of excitement.
STRICKLAND WAS TAUNTING ADESANYA AT THE END 😤 #UFC293 pic.twitter.com/dhwO1z9ziH
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 10, 2023
The loss marks the second time Adesanya has dropped the UFC middleweight title. The first was vs. Alex Pereira, a defeat Adesanya later avenged. Strickland extends his winning streak to three with the victory.
Full UFC 293 results include:
- Sean Strickland def. Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
- Alexander Volkov def. Tai Tuivasa via submission (Ezekiel choke) – Round 2, 4:37
- Manel Kape def. Felipe dos Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Justin Tafa def. Austen Lane via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:22
- Tyson Pedro def. Anton Turkalj via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:12
- Carlos Ulberg def. Da Woon Jung via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 4:49
- Chepe Mariscal def. Jack Jenkins via TKO (injury) – Round 2, 3:19
- Jamie Mullarkey def. John Makdessi via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Nasrat Haqparast def. Landon Quinones via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Charlie Radtke def. Blood Diamond via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
- Gabriel Miranda def. Shane Young via technical submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 0:59
- Kevin Jousset def. Kiefer Crosbie via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 4:49
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 293.
