UFC Fighters React to Sean Strickland Dominating Israel Adesanya at UFC 293

UFC 293 saw one of the greatest UFC title fight upsets in the promotion’s history. Sean Strickland dominated Israel Adesanya over five rounds to become the undisputed middleweight champion of the world. The surprise result came exactly 100 pay-per-view’s after Holly Holm shocked the world and knocked out Ronda Rousey in the same country.

The main event matchup came together after Dricus Du Plessis, the divisions number-one contender, was unable to face his fellow African, leading to Strickland stepping in on four weeks notice – despite some push back from the UFC matchmakers. ‘Stylebender’, the EA Sports UFC 5 cover star, entered the fight as a -600 favourite with the oddsmakers, with one bettor in the US placing over $200,000 on Adesanya to win the fight. Although the odds were heavily stacked against him, Strickland remained unfazed and walked down the City Kickboxing fighter with merely a jab and a cross. ‘Tarzan’s’ awkward style of defence also presented multiple problems for the Nigerian, with him only able to land at a significant strike percentage of 34% (per UFC Stats).

Official result: Sean Strickland defeats Israel Adesanya by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)

The fight world reacted in a big way to the upset on social media, see what they had to say below.

Fighters React to Sean Strickland And His Shock Win

The “spar only” method crowns the new ufc middleweight world champion. Well done Sean. Unlucky Izzy. Two quality operators as well as complete opposite characters facing off, where else would you get it. Incredible! What a sport. What a company! @ufc is King.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 10, 2023

Someone check on the guy who bet 230k on Izzy to win 28k . Buddy sick right now 😂 #UFC293
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) September 10, 2023

https://twitter.com/Actionman513/status/1700731029408088575?s=20

That’s the most crazy outcome I have ever see… was not a knockout was five rounds of domination #UFC293
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) September 10, 2023

I’m happy for Strickland, nobody believed that he will become UFC champ

Izzy will be back stronger, I think he need good rest because he has been too active recently!
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) September 10, 2023

I told u guys – but nobody believed me !
Congrats @SStricklandMMA 🏆. You deserve it !!!
— Alex "Poatan" Pereira (@AlexPereiraUFC) September 10, 2023

If something looks stupid, but works, it's not stupid. I guess ;). #UFC293
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) September 10, 2023

You can be so glad I’m not the one in there with you tonight #ufc293
— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) September 10, 2023

UFC 293 Results

Here are the rest of the results from a great night of fighting.

Alexander Volkov defeats Tai Tuivasa by submission (Ezekiel choke) at 4:37 of Round 2
Mabel Kape defeats Felipe Dos Santos by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Justin Tafa defats Austen Lane by TKO at 1:22 of Round 1
Tyson Pedro defeats Anton Turkalj by KO at 2:12 of Round 1
Carlos Ulberg defeats Da Un Jung by submission (Rear-naked choke) at 4:49 of Round 3
Chepe Mariscal defeats Jack Jenkins by TKO at 3:19 of Round 2 (Arm injury)
Jamie Mullarkey defeats John Makdessi by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Nasrat Haqparast defeats Landon Quinones by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Charlie Radtke defeats Blood Diamond by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Gabriel Miranda defeats Shane Young by submission (Rear-naked choke) at 0:59 of Round 1
Kevin Jousset defeats Kiefer Crosbie by submission (Rear-naked choke) at 4:49 of Round 1