UFC 293 LIVE: Adesanya vs Strickland updates and results tonight

Sean Strickland pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history on Saturday, outstriking and outpointing Israel Adesanya to win the middleweight title in Sydney.

Few fans or pundits believed that Strickland had a chance to dethrone Adesanya, one of mixed martial arts’ finest strikers, but the challenger combined constant forward movement with solid defence and clinical output at UFC 293. In doing so, the controversial American – who claimed in 2021 that he would like to “kill” an opponent in the ring one day – beat Adesanya 49-46 on all three scorecards.

Strickland, 32, dropped the Nigerian-New Zealander late in Round 1 with a picture-perfect right cross, sending Adesanya spinning to the canvas before seeking a finish. Strickland could not quite find the knockout blow, however, as Adesanya, 34, survived to the buzzer.

The ensuing rounds were close, but Strickland always seemed to be a step ahead of Adesanya, who congratulated his tearful conqueror after the result was confirmed, despite a heated build to the main event.

Re-live updates from the UFC 293 main event and undercard, below.

UFC 293 LIVE

• Sean Strickland outpoints Israel Adesanya in one of UFC’s biggest upsets ever

• American drops Adesanya in first round but fails to find finish

• Strickland wins 49-46 on all three scorecards to end Adesanya’s second title reign

• Adesanya’s coach reveals strange request after shock loss to Strickland

• Two fighters apologise for using homophobic slurs at UFC 293

• Alexander Volkov def. Tai Tuivasa via second-round submission (Ezekiel choke, 4:37)

• 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, 1:22)

• Tyson Pedro def. Anton Turkalj via first-round KO (punches, 2:12)

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

12:15 , Alex Pattle

Two fighters apologise for using homophobic slurs at UFC 293

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

12:00 , Alex Pattle

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

11:45 , Alex Pattle

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

11:40 , Alex Pattle

Israel Adesanya’s coach reveals strange request after shock loss to Sean Strickland

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

11:30 , Alex Pattle

Here’s more from MMA journalist Aaron Bronsteter, summarising what Bareman said next:

“Bareman says that in his career, he’s been involved in a few rematch camps and that they’re very difficult, because you’re trying to find other stones to leave unturned, but you’ve already done that and that makes it difficult to achieve. Refers to the Pereira camp as an example.

“Bareman says that, with the benefit of time, they will find something to add to his preparation. Bareman says that he asked Mick Maynard if they could do the rematch next weekend, because he feels like it will be a different outcome.

“Bareman says that Sean made Israel hesitant and it’s a big credit to him. He countered Israel no matter what and that it makes it a difficult proposition because he wasn’t used to it and they struggled with it all night.”

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

11:21 , Alex Pattle

Bareman, per Aaron Bronsteter, said it was a frustrating night in the corner, and that they couldn’t connect with Adesanya.

He credits Strickland for making it a frustrating night.

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

11:12 , Alex Pattle

Bareman: “I think Sean’s a great fighter, and I never once thought that Sean wasn’t capable of beating Israel... [but] it was an alternate kind of universe where Israel performed poorly, where Sean could win, and I’m sitting in that universe right now.”

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

11:12 , Alex Pattle

Israel Adesanya did not speak to the media for long last night; he gave a brief statement, before handing over to his coach, Eugene Bareman.

Adesanya said, per MMA journalist Aaron Bronsteter: “I had a different plan for this, but life throws curveballs at you. Win or lose, I wasn’t going to say much anyway, but right now, I lost to the better man on the night, and I just want to be with people who care about me, my team, so I’m going to go do that.

“But I’ll leave you in the capable hands of a man who is much smarter than me... I’ll leave it with Eugene Bareman, who will handle this for the first time.”

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

09:15 , Alex Pattle

Here’s an aggregate scorecard on the Verdict MMA app, with users worldwide having their say on the UFC 293 main event:

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

08:55 , Alex Pattle

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

08:30 , Alex Pattle

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

07:55 , Alex Pattle

UFC 293 results in full

07:25 , Alex Pattle

Sean Strickland def. Israel Adesanya (C) via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)

Alexander Volkov def. Tai Tuivasa via second-round submission (Ezekiel choke, 4:37)

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, 1:22)

Tyson Pedro def Anton Turkalj via first-round KO (punches, 2:12)

Carlos Ulberg def. Da Un Jung via third-round submission (rear naked choke, 4:49)

Chepe Mariscal def. Jack Jenkins via second-round TKO (elbow injury, 3:19)

Jamie Mullarkey def. John Makdessi 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. Blood Diamond via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

Gabriel Miranda def. Shane Young via first-round submission (rear naked choke, 0:59)

Kevin Jousset def. Kiefer Crosbie via first-round submission (rear naked choke, 4:49)

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

06:55 , Alex Pattle

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

06:40 , Alex Pattle

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

06:15 , Alex Pattle

Sean Strickland pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history on Saturday, outstriking and outpointing Israel Adesanya to win the middleweight title in Sydney.

Few fans or pundits believed that Strickland had a chance to dethrone Adesanya, one of mixed martial arts’ finest strikers, but the challenger combined constant forward movement with solid defence and clinical output at UFC 293.

In doing so, the controversial American – who claimed in 2021 that he would like to “kill” an opponent in the ring one day – beat Adesanya 49-46 on all three scorecards.

Strickland, 32, dropped the Nigerian-New Zealander late in Round 1 with a picture-perfect right cross, sending Adesanya spinning to the canvas before seeking a finish. Strickland could not quite find the knockout blow, however, as Adesanya, 34, survived to the buzzer.

The ensuing rounds were close, but Strickland always seemed to be a step ahead of Adesanya, who congratulated his tearful conqueror after the result was confirmed, despite a heated build to the main event.

Full main-event report:

Sean Strickland shocks Israel Adesanya and MMA world with title win at UFC 293

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

06:00 , Alex Pattle

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:52 , Alex Pattle

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:43 , Alex Pattle

A few snaps from that bewildering right...

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:37 , Alex Pattle

Most of Strickland’s in-ring, post-fight interview was censored, so we don’t have a lot to relay from it!

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:32 , Alex Pattle

AND NEW!

SEAN STRICKLAND DEF. ISRAEL ADESANYA VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)

Strickland is in tears! Adesanya applauds him and pays him respect, as they seemingly bury the hatchet.

One of the biggest upsets in UFC history.

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:30 , Alex Pattle

Round 5

Adesanya thinks about loading up on a left hook – twice – but doesn’t pull the trigger.

Adesanya is increasing his output, though. He lands a snapping jab.

Hard low kick by Adesanya, then Strickland lands a jab and a right cross.

One minute to go...

A right cross is on point for Strickland. He’s talking to Adesanya now!

Indy Sport, baffled, believes Strickland has won by four rounds to one. You could maybe have it 3-2 in his favour. The middle rounds were very close, though...

Strickland’s coach is crarying him around the ring. Strickland is nearly in tears.

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:26 , Alex Pattle

Round 5

Fifth and final round! Indy Sport actually has Strickland leading, which would leave Adesanya needing a finish...

Strickland checks a low kick and stabs out a front kick.

Strickland blocks a head kick but eats a body kick. Another stabbing front kick by Strickland.

The challenger has not stopped pressing forward.

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:23 , Alex Pattle

Round 4

Both men land body kicks.

No signs whatsoever of Strickland looking to wrestle; many thought it would be his best chance of victory, but he’s more than holding his own in the striking exchanges.

Strickland has a body-lock opportunity, but he doesn’t pursue it.

It’s another really close round. The fighters may be tied heading into the final round...

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:21 , Alex Pattle

Round 4

“I don’t want to lose a boring-ass decision,” Strickland is told by his coach Eric Nicksick, ahead of the championship rounds.

Piercing jab by Adesanya, which jolts back the head of Strickland. Now a southpaw cross.

Adesanya lands a body kick and narrowly evades a hook. He wings one of his own, but it’s off-target.

Again Adesanya misses, and he’s tagged by a hard left hook! A one-two just about lands for Strickland!

It’s tense. Adesanya with a slapping body kick. Good counter jab by him, too.

Again Strickland catches Adesanya hard!

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:17 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Adesanya with a good right cross. Strickland’s own right hand partially lands.

Adesanya kicks low. OH! Hard one-two by Strickland.

The challenger checks a leg kick and lands a jab. Nice.

Oh! Good head movement from Strickland to set up a clean left hook! Another good moment for the American.

Adesanya loads up on a right hook, but it’s not quite there.

Another solid jab by Strickland, who might have stolen another round, you know... It was a very close frame, but Strickland landed the more damaging shots.

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:14 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

The pattern of the fight continues, with Strickland edging forward all the time.

Adesanya switches stances back and forth, while circling to his left.

Neither middleweight is landing much right now. Adesanya flicks out a front kick to the body, but it doesn’t land clean.

Now Adesanya comes forward and increases his output, but Strickland is doing a decent job at covering up and blocking.

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:11 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Hard, step-in cross to the body by Adesanya. Strickland with a stinging jab.

Strickland wings a hook but just misses. Body kick by Adesanya. He’s switching stances as he moves out of Strickland’s striking range.

The champion looks much more relaxed now. He’s feinting in quite a playful manner.

A good round for Adesanya.

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:09 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Strickland was so aggressive in seeking the finish in that last round. He was really accurate with his ground and pound, and also with the strikes he threw once Adesanya had stood back up; Strickland just couldn’t quite find the blow to finish the fight.

Adesanya is still on the back foot in this second round, but he looks lucid. He’s trying to stay calm.

Adesanya pops a cross to the body. Overall, though, Strickland is maintaining range really well; he’ll move in but refrain from committing fully. He’s not quite there for Adesanya’s shots.

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:06 , Alex Pattle

Adesanya span off balance, and his legs collapsed underneath him.

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:05 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Adesanya has stayed southpaw for a while now. Strong jab lands for Strickland.

Hard low kick by Adesanya, and another. One more. He circles away as Strickland marches forward.

Adesanya is happy to take a largely patient approach so far. You know he’d love Strickland to open up, though, and allow some counters.

And there they are: a couple of nice counter jabs by the champion, just when Strickland thinks he has Adesanya where he wants him.

Adesanya covers up to block a one-two. He throws a head kick, but it’s not quite there.

OH!!!! STRICKLAND DROPS ADESANYA WITH A HARD RIGHT CROSS! WHAT ON EARTH?! HE POURS ON PUNCHES!!

ADESANYA IS ABLE TO GET BACK TO HIS FEET, BUT BARELY! STRICKLAND STEALS THE ROUND!

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

05:02 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Both men stand orthodox. Strickland presses forward and catches a body kick. He checks a low kick.

Adesanya lands a grazing body kick now, as Strickland keeps him close to the fence. Low kick by the challenger.

Adesanya tries a cross, but it’s just out of range. Lots of feints from the champion as usual. Strickland bites on one and backs up, but then he comes forward and lands a low kick.

Adesanya switches stances back and forth.

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

04:59 , Alex Pattle

Here we go! No touch of gloves!

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

04:57 , Alex Pattle

Now Adesanya makes his way to the ring.

The Nigerian-New Zealander, 34, has a pro record of 24-2 – 16 KO/TKOs; 0 submissions; 8 decision wins.

One of his losses came via TKO, and the other was a decision loss to then-light-heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz in 2021.

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

04:52 , Alex Pattle

Strickland is making his walk.

The 32-year-old American looks a little nervous, but he often does, in all honesty.

He brings a 27-5 professional record into this one – 11 KO/TKOs; 4 submissions; 12 decision wins.

Two of his losses have come via KO/TKO; three have come via decision.

UFC 293 LIVE: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland

04:48 , Alex Pattle

It’s time for the main event. Israel Adesanya defends the UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland...

Here’s our main-event preview, while we wait for the walkouts:

Why Adesanya vs Strickland may turn ugly, quickly

UFC 293 LIVE: Tai Tuivasa vs Alexander Volkov

04:41 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Tuivasa is hammering low kicks at Volkov, whose movement does appear a little compromised...

Good knee from Volkov in the clinch, as he just about finds Tuivasa’s chin.

Oh! Down goes Tuivasa again, and Volkov looks to hold him on the mat this time! He tries a guillotine from side mount, but it’s not there.

Tuivasa is able to scramble to his feet, and now he’s going after Volkov! He’s tiring himself out, though, and just seems to fall to the mat while throwing a kick...

Volkov capitalises with some ground and pound then secures mount! More strikes rain down! Tuivasa gives up his back!

He’s able to twist back to face Volkov, though, taking the rear naked choke off the table. But Volkov is able to slide his hand under Tuivasa’s head, and he secures the Ezekiel choke from on top!!

Alexander Volkov def. Tai Tuivasa via second-round submission (Ezekiel choke, 4:37)

UFC 293 LIVE: Tai Tuivasa vs Alexander Volkov

04:35 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Both men stand orthodox. Decent counter punches from Volkov as Tuivasa comes forward.

Tuivasa curls a hook into the body of Volkov, who is dwarfing the Aussie.

Volkov kicks low then to the body. Now he forces Tuivasa to block a head kick, after the home favourite lunges into range with a risky combination.

Volkov catches a kick and tags Tuivasa with a nice cross. Now the Russian works the body with a harsh kick and a few punches.

Volkov is timing Tuivasa’s kicks, firing over the top with punches.

Oh! A short right cross drops Tuivasa to his knees! Volkov looks to follow up, on the canvas then against the cage, but he’s not rushing...

Tuivasa is able to get into space, and he makes it to the end of the round, but only after a brutal flurry from Volkov!

UFC 293 LIVE

04:19 , Alex Pattle

It’s already time for the co-main event! Australia’s own Tai Tuivasa takes on Russian veteran Alexander Volkov.

UFC 293 LIVE: Manel Kape vs Felipe dos Santos

04:17 , Alex Pattle

Kape goes after Kai Kara-France, who is in the crowd, calling the Kiwi a “piece of s***” over and over.

Kara-France was Kape’s original opponent here, but he had to withdraw due to a concussion.

UFC 293 LIVE: Manel Kape vs Felipe dos Santos

04:13 , Alex Pattle

Round 3

Dos Santos wings a right hook and misses, and Kape punishes him with a short, straight, stinging shot.

Kape continues to switch stances. He’s showing off good head movement to avoid much of Dos Santos’s offence.

Until now! Dos Santos lands a couple of big punches clean!

Both men are landing at will now!! Kape is cut around his left eye. He’s surely up on the scorecards; is he going to let this one slip away here, though??

Maybe not! He drops Dos Santos to a knee with a crisp counter cross! Back comes Dos Santos with a one-two, which is on point!

Kape slows the pace, wisely. Dos Santos is looking to take his head off with every strike now.

Kape with a well-timed takedown late in the round, and some ground and pound for good measure! We’ll go to the judges’ scorecards.

Manel Kape def. Felipe dos Santos via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

UFC 293 LIVE: Manel Kape vs Felipe dos Santos

04:06 , Alex Pattle

Round 2

Kape is back to his southpaw stance. He’s caught with a one-two, before Dos Santos tries and fails to grapple.

Low kick and cross by Dos Santos. Kape responds with his own leg kick, flooring the Brazilian.

Dos Santos is back up quickly. Kape leaps into range with an uppercut, and although he misses, a follow-up hook lands! Good use of angles there.

Oh, Dos Santos throws a hook but is tagged by a clean counter, which staggers him. He’s really leaving his chin out whenever he comes forward.

He tries a couple of spinning attacks, but Kape sticks to the basics and outlands the Brazilian in a promising spell!

UFC 293 LIVE: Manel Kape vs Felipe dos Santos

04:01 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Dos Santos stands orthodox; Kape is southpaw for now.

Kape looks the crisper striker early, and he drops Dos Santos with a cross! The Brazilian is able to survive the Angolan’s ground and pound, and he gets to his feet.

Dos Santos still looks a little out of it, though, as Kape goes orthodox. Oh! Down goes Dos Santos again, but once more he maintains his wherewithal and is able to stand.

Now he tags Kape hard! Good body kicks from Dos Santos, too.

Oh... A spinning back elbow is just off the mark for Kape! Dos Santos manages to close range and get a body lock against the fence, but he can’t do much with it.

Soon the fighters are out in the open. More front kicks to the body by Dos Santos. Kape replies with one of his own, then a hard hook! Both men land a series of clean punches before the buzzer sounds!!

UFC 293 LIVE

03:47 , Alex Pattle

The main card is clipping along!

Next up is a flyweight clash between Manel Kape and Felipe dos Santos, who replaces New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France on short notice.

UFC 293 LIVE: Justin Tafa vs Austen Lane

03:43 , Alex Pattle

Tafa and Lane actually fought in June, and the bout ended as a No Contest due to an eye poke from Lane – just 29 seconds into the first round.

This rematch began with an eye poke from Lane, too, but thankfully the bout had a decisive finish this time!

UFC 293 LIVE: Justin Tafa vs Austen Lane

03:41 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Almost immediately we have a low blow – and potential eye poke – from Lane. There’s a brief pause in the action, before we get back under way.

Lane is orthodox; Tafa stands southpaw.

Lane with a jab, while Tafa responds with a counter lead hook. Lane just misses the mark with a head kick and slips.

Again Tafa lands a counter hook off his right wing, then BOOM!! A left hook drops Lane!!

Tafa with a few follow-up punches as Lane lies prone on the mat, and the referee waves it off!

Justin Tafa def. Austen Lane via TKO (punches, 1:22)

UFC 293 LIVE

03:36 , Alex Pattle

Next up, heavyweight action! New Zealand’s Justin Tafa takes on America’s Austen Lane.

Here we go...

UFC 293 LIVE: Tyson Pedro vs Anton Turkalj

03:27 , Alex Pattle

Round 1

Turkalj starts on the front foot, standing orthodox, pressing forward and firing off intermittent leg kicks.

Pedro is also orthodox. He leans back to avoid a front kick attempt, then throws his own low kick.

Turkalj parries a series of jab feints, but Pedro beats the guard with a clean one-two! More straight shots, and Turkalj is on wobbly legs!!

He manages to stay cognisant for a brief spell, but he eats a hard body kick, before another cross drops him!!

One hammer fist by Pedro and Turkalj is OUT! It’s all over in Round 1, and a huge cheer erupts in the arena!

Tyson Pedro def. Anton Turkalj via first-round KO (punches, 2:12)

UFC 293 LIVE

03:19 , Alex Pattle

Good reception for Pedro, as you’d expect, as the Australian makes his entrance in Sydney.

UFC 293 LIVE

03:18 , Alex Pattle

Here we go, the main card begins at light-heavyweight, with home fighter Tyson Pedro facing Anton Turkalj of Sweden!

UFC 293 LIVE

03:16 , Alex Pattle

Meanwhile, Strickland suffered a knockout loss to Pereira in the first round last July, then a decision defeat by Jared Cannonier in December, but he has since bounced back by outpointing Nassourdine Imavov and knocking out Abus Magomedov this year.

UFC 293 LIVE

03:15 , Alex Pattle

Adesanya’s second UFC title win saw him avenge his defeat by Pereira from November, when the Brazilian beat the “Last Stylebender” via TKO:

Alex Pereira ends Israel Adesanya’s title reign with comeback TKO at UFC 281

UFC 293 LIVE

03:13 , Alex Pattle

While we wait for the first fight of the main card to start, here’s a look back at Adesanya’s last fight, when he regained the middleweight title from old foe Alex Pereira – in stunning fashion, no less...

Israel Adesanya gains revenge over Alex Pereira with stunning knockout at UFC 287

UFC 293 LIVE

03:07 , Alex Pattle

Prelim results:

Carlos Ulberg def. Da Un Jung via third-round submission (rear naked choke, 4:49)

Chepe Mariscal def. Jack Jenkins via second-round TKO (elbow injury, 3:19)

Jamie Mullarkey def. John Makdessi 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. Blood Diamond via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

Gabriel Miranda def. Shane Young via first-round submission (rear naked choke, 0:59)

Kevin Jousset def. Kiefer Crosbie via first-round submission (rear naked choke, 4:49)

UFC 293 LIVE

03:00 , Alex Pattle

The main card is upon us!

UFC 293 LIVE

02:30 , Alex Pattle

Where does Israel Adesanya rank in the Indy Sport pound-for-pound list?

Find out here...

The Independent’s pound-for-pound UFC rankings

UFC 293 LIVE

02:15 , Alex Pattle

Earlier this week, Jared Cannonier was revealed as the back-up fighter for tonight’s main event.

Barring any very late injuries or such, the American should not be needed.

That said, Robert Whittaker was forced out of a middleweight title fight in Australia in 2019, on just a few hours’ notice!

Back-up fighter revealed for Adesanya vs Strickland at UFC 293

UFC 293 LIVE

02:00 , Alex Pattle

The card is airing live on TNT Sports in the UK tonight, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights.

In the US, ESPN+ will stream the action live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass.

More info here:

How to watch Adesanya vs Strickland at UFC 293 tonight

UFC 293 LIVE

01:45 , Alex Pattle

The UFC 293 prelims are under way as we speak. We’ll give you a round-up of those results when our main-card updates begin.

Until then, here’s a look at the card in full:

UFC 293 card in full as Adesanya defends title against Strickland tonight

UFC 293 LIVE

01:30 , Alex Pattle

Adesanya has been the betting favourite in all but one of his UFC bouts, even his rematch with Alex Pereira, and that is no different against Strickland.

The “Last Stylebender” is expected to dissect and damage his challenger at will. While Adesanya possesses less power than Alex Pereira, who was the last man to beat Strickland (via knockout in July 2022), he is an even more dynamic striker than the Brazilian.

Adesanya can employ the kind of counter-strikes that Strickland risks walking straight into – if the latter’s approach against Pereira is anything to go by.

Full main-event preview:

Why Adesanya vs Strickland may turn ugly, quickly

UFC 293 LIVE

01:15 , Alex Pattle

Our live coverage will begin in full at 3am BST, when the UFC 293 main card begins.

Until then, we’ve got you covered with build-up.

UFC 293 LIVE

Saturday 9 September 2023 22:00 , Alex Pattle

Israel Adesanya defends his middleweight title against Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 293 tonight.

Adesanya regained the title in April by knocking out his old kickboxing rival Alex Pereira, five months after the Brazilian took the belt from Adesanya. The Nigerian-New Zealander will look to get his second run as champion off to a good start tonight, as he fights Strickland in Sydney.

While Adesanya, 34, has proven divisive among fans, American Strickland has courted greater controversy in recent years. The 32-year-old claimed in 2021 that he would like to ‘kill’ an opponent in the ring one day, but it has not stopped him from getting the greater share of cheers in Australia this week.

While he will be the apparent fan favourite at UFC 293, Adesanya is the betting favourite, with his counter-striking expected to be too slick for the game but limited Strickland.