Polarising Sean Strickland yesterday unleashed a flurry of powerful punches to defeat champion Israel Adesanya and claim the UFC middleweight title after a grueling fight in Sydney.
In the main event of UFC 293, the US’ Strickland stunned hot favorite Adesanya to win the 185-pound belt with an unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) to prevail in a five-round slugfest. At the sold-out Qudos Bank Arena, Strickland landed several stinging punches to the head and had Adesanya on the back foot throughout.
“Never in a million years did I think I would be here,” said fifth-ranked Strickland, who inflicted New Zealander Adesanya’s third defeat from 27 fights.
Photo: EPA-EFE
“I thought I would be walking away a little broken up. I’m a little shocked that didn’t happen,” Strickland said. “This is the first time I’m lost for words.”
Strickland, who caused controversy ahead of the fight with misogynistic comments about putting women back in the kitchen, agreed to fight on late notice after Adesanya’s South African rival Dricus du Plessis was unavailable.
Strickland attempted to play to his strengths of wrestling and striking from close range. He made his move late in the first round after connecting with a powerful right-hand punch that felled Adesanya.
Adesanya regrouped in the second round and utilized his favored kicks to deadly effect. Adesanya threatened to take control in round three before Strickland landed a left hook as the fight went the distance.
Strickland (28-5) was unrelenting and trash-talked a bloodied Adesanya in the waning seconds with a shock title secured.
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