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UFC 293 Preview: Adesanya vs. Strickland

Writer's picture: Larry LightfingerLarry Lightfinger


This weekend, fight fans around the world are in for a treat as the UFC heads to Australia for the highly anticipated UFC 293 event. Set to take place on Saturday, September 9, at the Qudos Bank Arena, this Pay-Per-View spectacle promises to deliver an electrifying night of Mixed Martial Arts action. While all eyes will undoubtedly be on the middleweight championship bout between reigning champion Israel Adesanya and challenger Sean Strickland, the entire main card is loaded with compelling matchups. Let's delve into what's in store for UFC 293.


Main Event: Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland


The main event of the evening is nothing short of a blockbuster showdown. Israel Adesanya, the middleweight champion, is returning to the octagon with an impressive record of 24 wins and 2 losses. Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, and proudly representing Nigeria, where he was born, Adesanya is a force to be reckoned with. Ranked No. 5 on the men's pound-for-pound rankings, "The Last Stylebender" boasts an astounding 16 knockout victories, six of which occurred in the first round. His resume is adorned with triumphs over esteemed MMA figures like Alex Pereira, Robert Whittaker, and Anderson Silva. Adesanya's quest is to solidify his second title reign, making him a formidable adversary for anyone who dares to challenge him.


On the other side of the octagon, we have the No. 5-ranked middleweight, Sean Strickland, hailing from Corona, California. Armed with a record of 27 wins and 5 losses, Strickland is on a mission to seize the championship and etch the most significant victory of his career. His versatile skill set includes 11 knockout wins and four submission victories, with an impressive track record of first-round finishes in nine instances. Strickland brings a diverse arsenal to the fight, making this clash with Adesanya all the more intriguing.


Main Card: Other Thrilling Matchups

The main card doesn't stop with the main event. It kicks off with an exhilarating light-heavyweight encounter between Tyson Pedro and Anton Turkalj. Both fighters enter the octagon on the back of losses, hungry to restore their records. While their physical attributes are nearly identical, their fighting styles differ significantly, with Pedro known for his striking prowess and Turkalj as a skilled grappler.


Next up, we have heavyweight contenders Justin Tafa and Austin Lane. This bout is especially enticing as it marks a rematch between these two fighters, following their first clash that ended in a no contest. Familiarity adds an extra layer of excitement to this contest, and though Lane holds the edge in physical attributes, their numbers reveal striking-heavy approaches that could ignite another thrilling encounter.


Highly-touted undefeated fighter Felipe Dos Santos makes his UFC debut at UFC 293, taking on the experienced Manuel Kape. This is a formidable test for Dos Santos, who possesses a slight advantage in physical attributes. However, as Dos Santos steps into the UFC for the first time, it's challenging to predict how he'll perform against the seasoned Kape.


Finally, the co-main event features heavyweights Tai Tuivasa and Alexander Volkov. This matchup has the potential to steal the show, offering fans a possible 'Fight of the Night' performance. Tuivasa seeks redemption following a recent loss, while Volkov enters the octagon on a victorious streak. Volkov holds a significant physical advantage, but the numbers suggest a fairly even matchup, promising an intriguing battle.


As the MMA world eagerly awaits UFC 293, there's no doubt that this event will deliver unforgettable moments and fierce competition. Whether you're a fan of Adesanya, Strickland, or any of the other talented fighters on the card, this weekend's showdown in Australia is not to be missed. Stay tuned for what promises to be a night of thrilling action inside the octagon.

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