UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya (34, New Zealand/Africa) will make his first defense since regaining the title.
Adesanya will face No. 5-ranked middleweight Sean Strickland (32, USA) in the main event of UFC 293: Adesanya vs. Strickland on Nov. 10 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
It will be Adesanya’s first fight since regaining his belt with a second-round knockout of foe Alex Pereira (36, Brazil) at UFC 287 in April.
Adesanya and Strickland are as good on the feet as they are in the cage. Strickland attacked Adesanya from the start, saying he was not “African” but “Chinese”. He was referring to Adesanya’s emphasis on being a true African and his love for China, which he expressed through his past involvement in a Chinese kickboxing organization.
Adesanya then vowed to “KO Strickland in the name of China” and decided to wear red and gold shorts, the colors of China, for the fight.
The only way Strickland could defeat the kickboxer-turned-UFC top striker was through wrestling. However, Strickland emphasized that he may opt for a brawl instead of a strategic fight.
“I’ve been training really hard for wrestling. But when I get in the ring and I get excited, it’s a boxing fight,” he said.
“I’m going to knock him out, but honestly, I want to win by submission,” Adesanya said, “but I’m thinking about what he’s going to do, and I’m prepared for a striking battle. Sean Strickland will be asleep,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, in the main event of the undercard, Jungdahl (29) will take on kickboxer Carlos Ulberg (32, New Zealand), who is riding a four-fight winning streak, at light heavyweight.
Jungdahl is in desperate need of a win. He went undefeated after joining the UFC in 2019 and was on the verge of breaking into the top-15 rankings, but has lost two straight. 카지노사이트
“Up until now, I’ve been fighting with my heart, and I’ve realized that UFC fighters aren’t very forgiving,” said Jungdahl, emphasizing his cool-headed approach to the game, “I’ll definitely fight with my head this time.”
“I think my situation is an opportunity for me to grow. I’m going to push myself to get back on my feet as an athlete,” he said.