At last, Sean Strickland's pursuit of a title shot has come to fruition.
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At last, Sean Strickland’s pursuit of a title shot has come to fruition. Dana White, the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has unveiled a major revelation. The centerpiece of UFC 293, set for September 10, 2023, in Sydney, Australia, will feature the Middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya (24-2), stepping into the ring to safeguard his title against the formidable No. 5-ranked contender, Sean Strickland (27-5).
Following a summer filled with intense speculation, this matchup materialized in the wake of a tumultuous period. The upheaval began after Dricus Du Plessis achieved a stunning upset victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 last month, on July 8, 2023. Du Plessis’ second-round technical knockout overcame “The Reaper,” establishing his dominance as the fresh No. 1-ranked contender.
What had already been brewing as a fervent rivalry between Du Plessis and Adesanya reached a boiling point within the Octagon, manifesting in their confrontational exchange after the win.
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Regrettably for Du Plessis, a foot injury sustained prior to his victory against Whittaker necessitates a period of recovery. This injury impedes the South African fighter from promptly capitalizing on the opportunity for a swift turnaround to contend for the title.
At 32 years of age, Strickland will step into Du Plessis’ position, having recently secured two impressive triumphs against Nassourdine Imavov and Abus Magomedov. Notably, Strickland concluded the latter bout with strikes during the second round. Of particular significance is the fact that this upcoming contest marks Strickland’s inaugural venture into mixed martial arts (MMA) competition beyond the borders of the United States.
At UFC 293, Adesanya will embark on his quest for the initial defense of his second tenure as a UFC champion. He recaptured the divisional crown through a second-round knockout, emerging victorious in his MMA rematch against Alex Pereira during UFC 287 this past April 2023.
Lineup for UFC 293:
185lbs.: (C)Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland
265lbs.: Tai Tuivasa vs. Alexander Volkonovski
155lbs.: Jamie Mullarkey vs. John Makdessi
125lbs.: Kai Kara-France vs. Manel Kape
205lbs.: Carlos Ulberg vs. Da-un Jung
205lbs.: Tyson Pedro vs. Anton Turkalj
265lbs.: Justin Tafa vs. Austen Lane
145lbs.: Jack Jenkins vs. Chepe Mariscal
145lbs.: Shane Young vs. Gabriel Miranda
170lbs.: Mike Diamond vs. Charlie Radtke
125lbs.: Viviane Araujo vs. Jennifer Maia
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