UFC 293 LIVE: Adesanya vs Strickland updates and results tonight
Re-live updates after Israel Adesanya lost his middleweight title to the controversial Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history on Saturday, outstriking and outpointing Israel Adesanya to win the middleweight title in Sydney.
Few fans or pundits believed that Strickland had a chance to dethrone Adesanya, one of mixed martial arts’ finest strikers, but the challenger combined constant forward movement with solid defence and clinical output at UFC 293. In doing so, the controversial American – who claimed in 2021 that he would like to “kill” an opponent in the ring one day – beat Adesanya 49-46 on all three scorecards.
Strickland, 32, dropped the Nigerian-New Zealander late in Round 1 with a picture-perfect right cross, sending Adesanya spinning to the canvas before seeking a finish. Strickland could not quite find the knockout blow, however, as Adesanya, 34, survived to the buzzer.
The ensuing rounds were close, but Strickland always seemed to be a step ahead of Adesanya, who congratulated his tearful conqueror after the result was confirmed, despite a heated build to the main event.
Re-live updates from the UFC 293 main event and undercard, below.
UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland
AND NEW!
SEAN STRICKLAND DEF. ISRAEL ADESANYA VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
Strickland is in tears! Adesanya applauds him and pays him respect, as they seemingly bury the hatchet.
One of the biggest upsets in UFC history.
UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland
Round 5
Adesanya thinks about loading up on a left hook – twice – but doesn’t pull the trigger.
Adesanya is increasing his output, though. He lands a snapping jab.
Hard low kick by Adesanya, then Strickland lands a jab and a right cross.
One minute to go...
A right cross is on point for Strickland. He’s talking to Adesanya now!
Indy Sport, baffled, believes Strickland has won by four rounds to one. You could maybe have it 3-2 in his favour. The middle rounds were very close, though...
Strickland’s coach is crarying him around the ring. Strickland is nearly in tears.
UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland
Round 5
Fifth and final round! Indy Sport actually has Strickland leading, which would leave Adesanya needing a finish...
Strickland checks a low kick and stabs out a front kick.
Strickland blocks a head kick but eats a body kick. Another stabbing front kick by Strickland.
The challenger has not stopped pressing forward.
UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland
Round 4
Both men land body kicks.
No signs whatsoever of Strickland looking to wrestle; many thought it would be his best chance of victory, but he’s more than holding his own in the striking exchanges.
Strickland has a body-lock opportunity, but he doesn’t pursue it.
It’s another really close round. The fighters may be tied heading into the final round...
UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland
Round 4
“I don’t want to lose a boring-ass decision,” Strickland is told by his coach Eric Nicksick, ahead of the championship rounds.
Piercing jab by Adesanya, which jolts back the head of Strickland. Now a southpaw cross.
Adesanya lands a body kick and narrowly evades a hook. He wings one of his own, but it’s off-target.
Again Adesanya misses, and he’s tagged by a hard left hook! A one-two just about lands for Strickland!
It’s tense. Adesanya with a slapping body kick. Good counter jab by him, too.
Again Strickland catches Adesanya hard!
UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland
Round 3
Adesanya with a good right cross. Strickland’s own right hand partially lands.
Adesanya kicks low. OH! Hard one-two by Strickland.
The challenger checks a leg kick and lands a jab. Nice.
Oh! Good head movement from Strickland to set up a clean left hook! Another good moment for the American.
Adesanya loads up on a right hook, but it’s not quite there.
Another solid jab by Strickland, who might have stolen another round, you know... It was a very close frame, but Strickland landed the more damaging shots.
UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland
Round 3
The pattern of the fight continues, with Strickland edging forward all the time.
Adesanya switches stances back and forth, while circling to his left.
Neither middleweight is landing much right now. Adesanya flicks out a front kick to the body, but it doesn’t land clean.
Now Adesanya comes forward and increases his output, but Strickland is doing a decent job at covering up and blocking.
UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland
Round 2
Hard, step-in cross to the body by Adesanya. Strickland with a stinging jab.
Strickland wings a hook but just misses. Body kick by Adesanya. He’s switching stances as he moves out of Strickland’s striking range.
The champion looks much more relaxed now. He’s feinting in quite a playful manner.
A good round for Adesanya.
UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland
Round 2
Strickland was so aggressive in seeking the finish in that last round. He was really accurate with his ground and pound, and also with the strikes he threw once Adesanya had stood back up; Strickland just couldn’t quite find the blow to finish the fight.
Adesanya is still on the back foot in this second round, but he looks lucid. He’s trying to stay calm.
Adesanya pops a cross to the body. Overall, though, Strickland is maintaining range really well; he’ll move in but refrain from committing fully. He’s not quite there for Adesanya’s shots.
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