UFC 293 All Results And Highlights: Main, Preliminary, And Early Prelims
In the world of mixed martial arts, there are moments that leave fans and experts alike in awe. Such moments remind us of the unpredictable nature of the sport, where underdogs can rise to the occasion and legends can be dethroned. One such historic moment occurred at UFC 293, where Sean Strickland pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history by defeating the highly regarded Israel Adesanya.
Heading into UFC 293, Israel Adesanya was considered one of MMA’s finest strikers. The Nigerian-New Zealander had achieved remarkable success in the middleweight division and was the reigning champion. Few fans or pundits believed that Sean Strickland, the challenger, had a real chance of dethroning Adesanya. However, what unfolded in the Octagon on that night in Sydney would defy all expectations.
Throughout the five rounds, Strickland displayed constant forward movement combined with solid defensive skills and clinical striking. The 32-year-old American fighter consistently outpointed Adesanya, earning scores of 49–46 on all three judges’ scorecards. This victory was a testament to Strickland’s determination and tactical prowess, showcasing his ability to seize the opportunity when it mattered most.
The turning point of the fight occurred late in the first round when Strickland landed a picture-perfect right cross on Adesanya. The force of the punch sent Adesanya spinning to the canvas, leaving fans in shock. Strickland, sensing an opportunity to finish the fight, aggressively pursued Adesanya to secure a knockout. However, the champion’s resilience and survival instincts shone through as he managed to hold on until the end of the round.
As the fight progressed into the subsequent rounds, Strickland continued to maintain his dominance. While Adesanya displayed his remarkable striking skills and defensive capabilities, Strickland always seemed to be a step ahead. This constant forward pressure and tactical approach frustrated Adesanya’s attempts to regain control of the fight.
Despite the heated build-up to the main event and the intense competition within the Octagon, a display of true sportsmanship occurred at the fight’s conclusion. After the judges’ scorecards were read, confirming Sean Strickland’s victory, Adesanya, in a moment of humility, congratulated his conqueror. It was a testament to the respect and admiration that fighters often have for one another in the world of MMA, even in the face of such an upset.
The monumental upset in the main event was just one of the highlights of UFC 293, which featured an array of thrilling matchups. Here is a recap of the card and results:
Sean Strickland (c) def. Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46).
Alexander Volkov def. Tai Tuivasa via second-round submission (Ezekiel choke)
Manel Kape def. Felipe Dos Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).
Justin Tafa def. Austen Lane via first-round TKO (punches)
Tyson Pedro def. Anton Turkalj via first-round TKO (punches)
Carlos Ulberg def. Da Woon Jung via third-round submission (rear-naked choke)
Chepe Mariscal def. Jack Jenkins via second-round submission (verbal tap)
John Makdessi def. Jamie Mullarkey via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Nasrat Haqparast def. Landon Quinones via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Charlie Radtke def. Mike Diamond via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27).
Gabriel Miranda def. Shane Young via first-round submission (neck crank)
Kevin Jousset def. Kiefer Crosbie via first-round submission (rear-naked choke)
Sean Strickland’s victory at UFC 293 will go down in history as one of the most remarkable upsets in the sport’s annals. The win not only secured Strickland’s place in the upper echelons of MMA but also marked the end of Adesanya’s second title reign as the middleweight champion. This historic upset served as a reminder that in the world of MMA, anything can happen and the underdog can emerge victorious.
UFC 293 will forever be remembered for the monumental upset orchestrated by Sean Strickland. His victory over Israel Adesanya, a fighter of incredible skill and talent, showcased the essence of MMA, where determination, strategy, and heart can overcome the odds. Strickland’s triumph serves as a beacon of hope for all aspiring fighters and a thrilling moment for MMA fans worldwide, proving once again that in this sport, the unexpected is always possible.