Israel Adesanya: Sean Strickland beats Nigerian star at UFC 293 to become Middleweight champion

Adesanya's reign as champion is over!!! Sean Strickland defeats Izzy at UFC 293 to become Middleweight champion

New Zealand mixed martial artist of Nigerian descent Israel Adesanya returned to the Octagon early on Sunday, September 10, 2023.

Adesanya known as "The Last Stylebender" came into the clash against Strickland after regaining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight title from Alex Pereira earlier this year.

Sean Strickland defeats Israel Adesanya at UFC 293

Sean Strickland recorded a comfortable unanimous decision victory against Adesanya after five rounds to be crowned the new UFC Middleweight champion

Adesanya did not tap gloves with Strickland before starting the fight as expected.

Adesanya started out cautiously testing out a couple of kicks while Strickland pushed forward looking for a counter.

Strickland kept Adesanya on his heels as the champion refused to let his hands go in exchanges.

At the end of the first round, Strickland connected a huge blow that rocked Adesanya at the end of the first round.

In the second round, Strickland continued to be patient looking for the huge blow with Adesanya on the back foot.

Adesanya, however, was able to land some good punches to push Strickland back.

The Last Stylebender was unable to find his jab in the third round as Strickland continued to pile on the pressure.

It was the same for much of the fourth and the fifth rounds, with Adesanya on the back foot against an aggressive Strickland.

In the fifth round, Adesanya was unable to land his trademark left and right combination  

Strickland destroyed Adesanya in the first round and never looked back with relentless pressure and steady upright boxing. 

At the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, all judges gave the contest a 49-46 score in favor of Strickland.

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