UFC 293 is set to take place in Sydney this Saturday, and all eyes will be on the flamboyant Israel Adesanya. It has been four years since Adesanya last fought Down Under as the UFC middleweight champion, and he is determined to make a statement against Sean Strickland. While Adesanya is undoubtedly the main attraction, there are several other intriguing storylines to look out for at UFC 293. Let’s dive into the five key matters that could be settled on fight night.
Israel Adesanya is known for his showmanship inside and outside the octagon. However, in his recent fights, he hasn’t always delivered the flashy performances that fans have come to expect from him. Despite winning all of his bouts after claiming the middleweight belt, Adesanya’s lack of knockouts led to some criticism from MMA fans who deemed his fights as boring. Adesanya defended himself, stating that his opponents often failed to engage in the fight, making it difficult for him to display his flashy style.
This Saturday, however, Adesanya will have the perfect opportunity to put on a dazzling show. Sean Strickland, known for his aggressive fighting style, is not one to shy away from engagement. While basic in his skills, Strickland’s straightforward approach will force Adesanya to bring his A-game. This fight presents Adesanya with a chance to showcase his skills and regain his reputation as the UFC’s flashiest champion.
When Adesanya headlined UFC 243 in Melbourne back in 2019, he left a lasting impression even before stepping into the cage. His choreographed dance routine during his walkout was hailed as the greatest walkout in UFC history. It was a risky move for Adesanya, as he risked draining his energy before the fight even began. However, he managed to deliver a spectacular performance, knocking out Robert Whittaker and solidifying his status as a rising star in the UFC.
This Saturday, Adesanya’s return to Australia demands another special show. While it may not reach the same extremes as his previous walkout, Adesanya will surely find a way to entertain the Sydney crowd before the main event commences. The fans can expect a memorable and electrifying experience from the charismatic champion.
Sean Strickland enters the fight as a heavy underdog, with odds stacked against him. However, upsets in the UFC are not uncommon, and Strickland has a chance to etch his name in the history books if he can defeat Adesanya. While Adesanya is undoubtedly one of the best fighters in the sport, he has shown vulnerabilities in the past. He suffered a loss to Jan Blachowicz when he moved up in weight, and he was also knocked out by Alex Pereira in a previous fight.
Strickland’s tough stand-up game could pose a threat to Adesanya, similar to how Pereira managed to land a knockout punch. While his path to victory may not be the same as Blachowicz’s, Strickland has the opportunity to shock the world and pull off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.
Aside from the main event, the UFC 293 lineup features four other Australian fighters, each ready to rile up the Sydney crowd. While none of them are expected to perform the infamous “shoey” celebration like Tai Tuivasa, they will undoubtedly bring their A-game to the octagon. These fighters have the privilege of training alongside Adesanya at City Kickboxing in New Zealand, and the spotlight on their main event star will only enhance their performances.
One fighter to watch out for is Carlos Ulberg, a teammate of Adesanya and a rising star in the light heavyweight division. Ulberg has been on a four-fight winning streak, with all of his victories coming by way of first-round finishes. This will be his first fight in Australia since his debut in the UFC, and he will be looking to make a statement in front of his home crowd.
UFC 293 promises to be an action-packed event, with Israel Adesanya’s return Down Under as the highlight of the night. Adesanya seeks to restore his flash and flair, putting on a show for the Sydney crowd in his title defense against Sean Strickland. The other Australian fighters on the card, including Carlos Ulberg, will also have the opportunity to shine alongside Adesanya. Whether it’s the anticipated walkout, the potential for an upset, or the homegrown talent on display, UFC 293 is set to deliver an unforgettable night of fights.
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