Tag: UFC 293

Photos – Israel Adesanya set to sport red shorts for UFC 293 title fight with Sean Strickland in Australia

Israel Adesanya set to wear red shorts at UFC 293 against Sean StricklandMixing up his recent wardrobe inside the Octagon, undisputed middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya is set to don a pair of red shorts inside the cage for the first time this weekend at UFC 293 – ahead of his title fight with challenger, Sean Strickland. Adesanya, the incumbent and two-time undisputed middleweight champion under the Dana […]

Israel Adesanya set to wear red shorts at UFC 293 against Sean Strickland

Mixing up his recent wardrobe inside the Octagon, undisputed middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya is set to don a pair of red shorts inside the cage for the first time this weekend at UFC 293 – ahead of his title fight with challenger, Sean Strickland.

Adesanya, the incumbent and two-time undisputed middleweight champion under the Dana White-led banner, headlines the promotion’s return to Sydney, Australia – taking on Strickland over the course of five rounds at the Qudos Bank Arena. 

Sidelined since he headlined UFC 287 back in April, Adesanya managed to scoop the middleweight title for the second time in his promotional tenure on that occasion, recording a stunning second round KO win over common-foe, Alex Pereira in the pair’s fifth outing in combat sports.

Israel Adesanya is set to debut red shorts inside the Octagon at UFC 293

On that occasion, Adesanya wore a pair of blue compression shorts for his championship challenge – due to the fact he would be competing in the blue corner as a challenger. And ahead of this weekend’s walk, which Adesanya will make secondly, and to the red corner, the City Kickboxing staple is set to wear red shorts for the first time inside the Octagon.

“Stylebender’s (Israel Adesanya) rocking red in the Octagon for the first time Saturday #UFC293,” UFC posted on their official X account. 

Managing to strike gold whilst sporting blue shorts against Pereira, Adesanya would wear a pair of green, champion-themed compression shorts for his UFC 281 title defense against the Brazilian in November of last year at Madison Square Garden, suffering a fifth round TKO loss to the Sao Paulo knockout ace.

And whilst superstitions have been touted at play for UFC 293 – as well as Adesanya’s apparent play-up to recent pokes from Sean Strickland regarding his time competing in China during his kickboxing career, Adesanya has hinted at a potential submission-seeking approach to this weekend’s championship clash with the surging contender ‘Down Under’. 

Will Israel Adesanya remain middleweight champion after UFC 293?

UFC 293 headliner Sean Strickland threatens to kill bodybuilder Bradley Martyn: ‘I would take your life’

Sean StricklandUFC middleweight title challenger Sean Strickland threatened to kill celebrity bodybuilder Bradley Martyn after the YouTuber suggested he could handle himself in a street fight with multiple mixed martial artists, including reigning ONE world champion Demetrious Johnson. Martyn, a fitness guru who loves telling people that he weighs upwards of 260 pounds, has caught the […]

Sean Strickland

UFC middleweight title challenger Sean Strickland threatened to kill celebrity bodybuilder Bradley Martyn after the YouTuber suggested he could handle himself in a street fight with multiple mixed martial artists, including reigning ONE world champion Demetrious Johnson.

Martyn, a fitness guru who loves telling people that he weighs upwards of 260 pounds, has caught the attention of the MMA community after repeatedly challenging professional fighters to a street fight. In recent months, Martyn has targeted Nate Diaz, Demetrious Johnson, Sean O’Malley, and even former UFC middleweight titleholder Alex Pereira. And while most of the fighters have patronized Martyn or ignored his comments altogether, Sean Strickland has no intention of playing along with Martyn’s gimmick.

Ahead of his return to the Octagon at UFC 293 on Saturday night, Sean Strickland delivered an expletive-filled threat to Martyn, letting the loudmouth bodybuilder know that should the two ever find themselves in a tussle, ‘Tarzan’ won’t hesitate to put his lights out permanently.

“Who the f*ck is Bradley Martyn?” Strickland asked in an interview with Nina Drama. “I don’t know this Bradley Martyn, but if you’re here right now and I can get away with it… I would take your f*cking life. I would kill you. I would put my gun down and would f*cking take your f*cking life.

“Nina gave me a little backstory… that you challenge people. Motherf*cker, I’m in Vegas, you show the f*ck up, you little b*tch. Sign a waiver and we will see how many bones we can break in your f*cking face. If he was right here and he was like, ‘Sean, I think I can beat you in a street fight,’ I would get up. I would put my gun down, and I’d backhand him like the little b*tch he is” (h/t Mirror).

Bradley Martyn seemingly responded to Sean Strickland’s comments on X (formerly Twitter), reminding the 185-pounder that he outweighs him by a significant amount.

“I’m 260 tho,” Martyn wrote.

It’s a pretty standard response from Martyn who believes that his sheer size will compensate for a complete lack of combat sports skills. Perhaps he’ll have the opportunity to put that theory to the test as pound-for-pound great Demetrious Johnson, a flyweight fighter who typically walks around at 150 pounds, has accepted Martyn’s challenge.

As for Sean Strickland, the outspoken middleweight contender is busy gearing up for the biggest fight of his life on September 9.

Emanating from the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Strickland will step inside the Octagon for a main event clash with reigning 185-pound titleholder Israel Adesanya. It will be Strickland’s first opportunity to compete for UFC gold after amassing an impressive 14-5 record inside the Octagon, including back-to-back wins against Nassourdine Imavov and Abus Magomedov in his last two outings.

Video – Israel Adesanya shows off mounted guillotine choke amid tease of submission win at UFC 293

Israel Adesanya guillotine choke open workouts submission win at UFC 293Undisputed middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya had teased a potential submission win over Sean Strickland at UFC 293 this weekend in Sydney, Australia – and ahead of their title showdown, the City Kickboxing staple has shown off a clearly well-drilled mounted guillotine choke attempt. Adesanya, the current and two-time undisputed middleweight champion, is slated to headline […]

Israel Adesanya guillotine choke open workouts submission win at UFC 293

Undisputed middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya had teased a potential submission win over Sean Strickland at UFC 293 this weekend in Sydney, Australia – and ahead of their title showdown, the City Kickboxing staple has shown off a clearly well-drilled mounted guillotine choke attempt.

Adesanya, the current and two-time undisputed middleweight champion, is slated to headline UFC 293 this weekend at the Qudos Bank Arena in his return ‘Down Under’ – taking on Strickland.

Last time out, the Nigerian-Kiwi striker headlined a pay-per-view event against common-foe, Alex Pereira in April, avenging a November loss to his Brazilian common-foe with a spectacular second round KO victory in Miami, Florida.

As for Strickland, the surging contender most recently wrapped up his second straight win back in July, securing a second round TKO stoppage win against the highly-touted, Abusupiyan Magomedov in a main event clash.

The victory came following a January decision win over prospect, Nassourdine Imavov in a unanimous decision win at the light heavyweight limit.

Continually predicting a one-sided win over the outspoken Covina native in their showdown this weekend, Adesanya suggested a potential wrestle-heavy approach from Strickland may present him with a submission attempt. 

“What do I want in my career? Submission – I definitely want a submission,” Israel Adesanya said. “It might be [in] this fight [against Sean Strickland]. “I know he’s going to wrestle. He’d be dumb not to, so I know he’s going to mix it up.”

“He’s doing this whole thing, ‘Oh, man dance, man dance’ – he’s going to crotch sniff, that’s what he’s going to do,” Israel Adesanya explained. “I mean, he’s got smart coaches and they’ll definitely beat it [a wrestling approach] into him. I know they’ve been talking about it, and he’s like, ‘What, crotch sniff? I’m gonna box.’ He’s gonna box with me. The (Alex) Pereira fight I told him, ‘Focus on your job ‘cause he’s gonna knock you out.’ What did he do? He knocked him out, because he wasn’t focused on his job, he was focused on me. But, yeah, he’s gonna crotch sniff, but I get down too. So it’s whatever.” 

Israel Adesanya shows off his grappling ability ahead of UFC 293

And at today’s open workouts in Sydney, whilst displaying his cerebral striking ability, Adesanya appeared to hint at a well-practised mounted guillotine choke submission attempt. 

Can Israel Adesanya wrap up a submission victory at UFC 293 this weekend?

Video – Israel Adesanya shows off mounted guillotine choke amid tease of submission win at UFC 293

Israel Adesanya guillotine choke open workouts submission win at UFC 293Undisputed middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya had teased a potential submission win over Sean Strickland at UFC 293 this weekend in Sydney, Australia – and ahead of their title showdown, the City Kickboxing staple has shown off a clearly well-drilled mounted guillotine choke attempt. Adesanya, the current and two-time undisputed middleweight champion, is slated to headline […]

Israel Adesanya guillotine choke open workouts submission win at UFC 293

Undisputed middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya had teased a potential submission win over Sean Strickland at UFC 293 this weekend in Sydney, Australia – and ahead of their title showdown, the City Kickboxing staple has shown off a clearly well-drilled mounted guillotine choke attempt.

Adesanya, the current and two-time undisputed middleweight champion, is slated to headline UFC 293 this weekend at the Qudos Bank Arena in his return ‘Down Under’ – taking on Strickland.

Last time out, the Nigerian-Kiwi striker headlined a pay-per-view event against common-foe, Alex Pereira in April, avenging a November loss to his Brazilian common-foe with a spectacular second round KO victory in Miami, Florida.

As for Strickland, the surging contender most recently wrapped up his second straight win back in July, securing a second round TKO stoppage win against the highly-touted, Abusupiyan Magomedov in a main event clash.

The victory came following a January decision win over prospect, Nassourdine Imavov in a unanimous decision win at the light heavyweight limit.

Continually predicting a one-sided win over the outspoken Covina native in their showdown this weekend, Adesanya suggested a potential wrestle-heavy approach from Strickland may present him with a submission attempt. 

“What do I want in my career? Submission – I definitely want a submission,” Israel Adesanya said. “It might be [in] this fight [against Sean Strickland]. “I know he’s going to wrestle. He’d be dumb not to, so I know he’s going to mix it up.”

“He’s doing this whole thing, ‘Oh, man dance, man dance’ – he’s going to crotch sniff, that’s what he’s going to do,” Israel Adesanya explained. “I mean, he’s got smart coaches and they’ll definitely beat it [a wrestling approach] into him. I know they’ve been talking about it, and he’s like, ‘What, crotch sniff? I’m gonna box.’ He’s gonna box with me. The (Alex) Pereira fight I told him, ‘Focus on your job ‘cause he’s gonna knock you out.’ What did he do? He knocked him out, because he wasn’t focused on his job, he was focused on me. But, yeah, he’s gonna crotch sniff, but I get down too. So it’s whatever.” 

Israel Adesanya shows off his grappling ability ahead of UFC 293

And at today’s open workouts in Sydney, whilst displaying his cerebral striking ability, Adesanya appeared to hint at a well-practised mounted guillotine choke submission attempt. 

Can Israel Adesanya wrap up a submission victory at UFC 293 this weekend?

Jared Cannonier set to serve as backup fighter for Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland title clash at UFC 293

israel adesanyaUFC middleweight Jared Cannonier will serve as the backup fighter for UFC 293 main event between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland. In a story first reported by MMA Junkie, Cannonier will act as the backup for this weekends fight between reigning 185 lb champion, Israel Adesanya and the No. 5 ranked Sean Strickland. The event […]

israel adesanya

UFC middleweight Jared Cannonier will serve as the backup fighter for UFC 293 main event between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland.

In a story first reported by MMA Junkie, Cannonier will act as the backup for this weekends fight between reigning 185 lb champion, Israel Adesanya and the No. 5 ranked Sean Strickland. The event will take place in Sydney, Australia and Cannonier will be required to make the championship limit.

Should either Strickland or Adesanya drop out it would result in a rematch for Cannonier. ‘Killa Gorrila’ faced challenged Adesanya for his title in July of last year, losing a clear cut decision with a fairly uninspiring performance. The 39-year-old would then bounce back with a win over Strickland five months later, in what was a closely contested five round fight. 

Israel Adesanya Vs. Sean Strickland

With the No.1 contender, Dricus Du Plessis being unable to make the quick turn around following his victory over Robert Whittaker due to injury, it was up to Strickland to fill in on September 9. 

The American has earned back-to-back wins over Nassourdine Imavov and Abus Magomedov after dropping his fight with Cannonier. While Strickland was not the first choice and is a considerable underdog, an opportunity of this magnitude should woefully inspire a brave performance. 

Adesanya has the opportunity to further extend his already extensive middleweight resume, if successful it will be his sixth title defence at the weight. 

“Like I said, he’s an idiot and you know, the UFC don’t want him embarrassing the company. But yeah, that’s all I’ll say about that, so he should thank me. He should really thank me for actually making him get the fight. I pushed for it,” Adesanya said of his upcoming matchup. H/T MMA Fighting)

Who wins this weekend, Israel Adesanya or Sean Strickland?

Sean Strickland reveals he punched Australian fan ahead of UFC 293 title fight: ‘I’ve already committed an assault’

Sean Strickland assaulted fan ahead of UFC 293 fight in Australia punched in the gutsTravelling to Australia this week ahead of his premier championship challenge under the banner of the UFC this weekend, surging middleweight contender, Sean Strickland has revealed he was already involved in an altercation with an overzealous fan of defending champion, Israel Adesanya.  Strickland, the current number four ranked middleweight contender, enters his championship tangle against […]

Sean Strickland assaulted fan ahead of UFC 293 fight in Australia punched in the guts

Travelling to Australia this week ahead of his premier championship challenge under the banner of the UFC this weekend, surging middleweight contender, Sean Strickland has revealed he was already involved in an altercation with an overzealous fan of defending champion, Israel Adesanya. 

Strickland, the current number four ranked middleweight contender, enters his championship tangle against City Kickboxing staple, Adesanya at UFC 293 this weekend off the back of a stunning second round TKO win over Abusupiyan Magomedov back in July of this year.

The Covina native added the German resident to a prior January decision win over French prospect, Nassourdine Imavov – in an impromptu light heavyweight matchup.

Sean Strickland reveals altercation with fan on Bondi beach ahead of UFC 293

And travelling ‘Down Under’ for his championship foray with Adesanya, Strickland who remarked his confusion with the culture in the Oceanic country, also revealed he has committed a self-confessed assault on a fan of Adesanya, not long into his stay in Sydney.

“Initially, I thought the guy was coming up for a photo,” Sean Strickland told Fox Sports. “‘Izzy (Israel Adesanya) is gonna f*ck you up.’ Boom, [punched him] right in the guts.”

“I’d only been in Australia a day and already I’d committed an assault,” Sean Strickland explained. “If you wanna come up to me and run your f*cking mouth, I’ll smack you like I smack anybody else. Uppercut to his stomach. Then I walked away. But if I see the guy again, man, no problems… I thank him for not pressing charges.” 

As for Adesanya, Strickland will come as the Nigerian-Kiwi’s first attempted title defense of the middleweight title as part of his second title reign, having reclaimed the throne in a thunderous second round KO win over arch-rival and common-foe, Alex Pereira back in April at UFC 287. 

Do you expect Sean Strickland to win the title at UFC 293?