Sean Strickland overcomes all doubts and exceeds all expectations, casting a convincing beatdown against Israel Adesanya to become the new middleweight champion in UFC 293 via unanimous decision at Qudos Bank Arena of Los Angeles, September 10, 2023.
The 32-year old Strickland dismantled all odds in facing the reigning middleweight champ, highlighted by his barrage of vigorous punches in the first round that almost earned him a Technical Knockout Victory.
All lights of expectations were focused on Adesansya, expecting him to have a walk in the park, but it all shattered when Strickland dropped him on a well timed forceful right hand.
Although Adesansya survived the grilling onslaught following the forceful right hand that dropped him, it set the tone for Strickland, clearly signaling that the Champ's night is no smooth sail.
Strickland went on to control the pace of the match, although Adesanya pulled off salvos of his own, Strickland's defense wasn't a loophole to defy through. Fifth round headed and all eyes were on for a finishing smash, but a blow never came and Strickland carried on the pressure and went on to earn all cards from the judges to become the new middleweight champion.
Strickland will go down as one of the most surprising UFC champions, knowing full well that he didn't even earn his way to the main event. He was only a substitute for Dricus Du Plessis who backed out of the fight due to injury.
Adesanya lost his belt and dropped his record, 24-3 while Strickland went on to snatch the belt and improved his record, 28-5.