UFC 293: Qudos Bank Arena; Sydney, Australia
When someone reaches the mountain top for the very first time, it can be a beautiful thing to watch. And in sweeping all three-judges scorecards 49-46, Sean Strickland has flipped the UFC universe on it’s ear, so to speak. Not by some blitzing vicious knockout, but by the simplest of simple plans. Copy cut and paste.
The 32-year old applied his pressure keeping Israel Adesanya behind the black line for the majority of the contest. And the pressure of a solid jab kept him there. Thus keeping Adesanya uncomfortably on his back foot throughout, and forcing him on his bike. And the new champion showed just what a high-strike defense looks like. He just never let Adesanya get going. Even when he tried a kicking game, Strickland was defensively better, by checking them. Strickland and Adesanya did seem to squash any pre-fight beef afterwards though.
The result of the fight sets up not one, but three possible storylines, since the new champion didn’t make an in-cage call out. Instead he gave props to both the former champion, and the people of Australia.
Copy Cut And Paste Equals And New
Could Adesnya who was just starting his second-stint as champion ask for an immediate rematch? Sure. But it might be better to have their paths go separate for a few hot minutes. Adesanya versus the opponent that he was supposed to fight, Dricus Du Plessis can still be a main event; title or not. Hence it would be one card less that Dana White really needs to worry about. It’s that viceral hatred they have, that can keep the title shot for now away from DDP.
Next month with Paulo Costa returning against Khamzat Chimaev can now be turned into a number one contender’s fight for Strickland’s first-defense. And frankly, both battles then can go onto the same card, keeping the fighters on the same schedule.
While Costa, and Chimaev have power that will test Strickland’s strike defense like it’s never been tested before. We’d also see just how much his version of the Philly Shell can hold up to dynamite. If the chin can hold, he’ll have a chance. Strickland does have a black belt in jiu-jitsu. And that would also be tested by Chimaev who also has just as relentless, if not moreso of a gas tank.
So while this title change, is a great story, good for the division, the strap may once again become a hot potato.
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