During a remarkable upset that will go down in UFC history, Sean Strickland clinched the middleweight championship by defeating Israel Adesanya in Sydney last Saturday.

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

Despite the widespread skepticism among fans and observers regarding Strickland's ability to dethrone Adesanya, who is renowned as one of the finest strikers in mixed martial arts, the challenger displayed unwavering forward momentum, impeccable defensive skills, and a precise and clinical performance at UFC 293.

As a result, the controversial American secured a unanimous decision victory over Adesanya with all three judges scoring it 49-46, even after making a statement in 2021 expressing a desire to "finish" an opponent inside the ring.

In the closing moments of Round 1, Sean Strickland, aged 32, landed an impeccably executed right cross, causing the Nigerian-New Zealander, Adesanya, aged 34, to tumble to the mat. Strickland attempted to secure the victory, but Adesanya displayed remarkable resilience, managing to survive until the final bell, illustrating that Strickland couldn't land the decisive finishing blow.

During the second round, the reigning champion sought to level the playing field by maintaining his composure, adapting his stance, and skillfully incorporating feints, a tactic he often employs. The "Last Stylebender" effectively targeted Strickland's body, yet the challenger would swiftly reclaim his advantage.

In the third round, there was minimal activity from both middleweight fighters until Strickland made a late-round impact with a combination consisting of a one-two, followed by a left hook and a sharp jab.

Eric Nicksick, Strickland's coach, conveyed to him before the last rounds that the outcome of the main event was uncertain:  “I don’t want to lose a boring-ass decision.”

Although many believed that Strickland's optimal path to victory would involve wrestling, there was no discernible inclination from him to pursue this strategy. In fact, during Round 4, when Adesanya's strike missed its mark, Strickland briefly had an opportunity to engage in a body lock, but he chose to relinquish his grip on his opponent.

In the final round, Adesanya exhibited an enhancement in his performance, but Strickland continued to press forward, going as far as initiating a conversation with Adesanya as the round drew to a close.

Following the conclusion of the fight, Nicksick lifted an emotional Strickland high in the air before the official announcement of Strickland's championship victory. In a dramatic shift from their heated pre-fight rivalry, Adesanya seemed to extend a gesture of respect towards Strickland by letting go of the animosity.

“Am I dreaming? Am I going to wake up? Someone hit me … I don’t cry much but I’m trying to keep it together right now,” Strickland, clearly emotional, expressed his thoughts after the bout. “I give up so many brain cells to the MMA gods … I thought I’d be walking away a little bloody, a little broken up. I’m a little shocked that didn’t happen.”