UFC 293: ADESANYA VS STRICKLAND ODDS, PREDICTION AND FIGHT PREVIEW

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) makes its triumphant return to Sydney, Australia, after a prolonged six-year absence, promising a night filled with high-octane action at the Qudos Arena for UFC 293. At the helm of this thrilling event is a middleweight championship clash between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, surrounded by a stacked card featuring captivating matchups with fighters hailing from the Oceanic region. In this comprehensive preview, we will meticulously dissect each bout to ensure you’re primed for an exhilarating night of combat.

Main Event: Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland

The pinnacle of UFC 293 is the middleweight championship encounter where Israel Adesanya, renowned as “The Last Stylebender,” defends his title against the formidable American contender, Sean Strickland. Adesanya reclaimed his middleweight crown in April, orchestrating a spectacular victory over Alex Pereira. In a contest fraught with adversity against his long-time adversary, Adesanya conjured a devastating right-hand blow that culminated in a swift conclusion, catapulting him back to the zenith of the division.

On the opposing side of the Octagon stands Sean Strickland, who has diligently earned his title shot through consistent performances and a willingness to step into the fray on short notice. Strickland touts an impressive 7-2 record since his return to active competition three years ago, notching two notable wins this year, albeit in less rewarding circumstances. This bout offers a tantalizing blend of styles as Strickland’s relentless pressure-based approach is expected to compel Adesanya into sustained engagement. Anticipate an intensely competitive and riveting championship clash.

Odds: Israel Adesanya (-600) vs. Sean Strickland (+440)

Our Prediction:

As the odds undeniably favor Adesanya, positioning him as the overwhelming favorite to secure victory in this bout, our prognosis aligns with this sentiment. We foresee Adesanya potentially clinching a second-round TKO or solidifying his dominance through a resounding unanimous decision.

Nevertheless, Strickland must enter this contest with an unbridled spirit, embracing the mentality that he has nothing to lose. To maximize his chances of an upset, Strickland must transform this showdown into a ferocious dogfight. His path to victory hinges on waging an all-out war, relentlessly pushing forward, and leaving everything in the Octagon. Only by adopting this audacious approach can Strickland hope to tip the scales in his favor.

Co-Main Event: Tai Tuivasa vs. Alexander Volkov

The co-main event shines a spotlight on a heavyweight spectacle between Tai Tuivasa and Alexander Volkov. Tuivasa, who made his UFC debut in Sydney, is on a quest to rebound from a recent two-fight skid following an impressive streak of five consecutive stoppage victories. Volkov, on the contrary, enters Australia in the zenith of his UFC career, boasting consecutive first-round stoppage triumphs over Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Alexandr Romanov. With the local hero, Tuivasa, looking to harness the energy of the fervent crowd and Volkov enjoying peak form, this clash promises an explosive heavyweight showdown.

Manel Kape vs. Felipe dos Santos

Within the flyweight division, Manel Kape squares off against the late-replacement contender, Felipe dos Santos. Kape has weathered multiple bout cancellations en route to this moment and is eager to extend his three-fight winning streak. Dos Santos, a youthful 22-year-old, enters this contest boasting an unblemished 7-0 record, seizing a golden opportunity to make a resounding impact. This matchup brims with intrigue as Kape strives to validate his status as a championship contender, while dos Santos endeavors to make an indelible mark in his UFC debut.

Justin Tafa vs. Austen Lane

The heavyweight division witnesses a rematch between Justin Tafa and Austen Lane, following their previous meeting, which concluded prematurely due to an inadvertent eye poke earlier this year. Tafa, on a two-fight winning streak, has registered first-round knockout victories over Harry Hunsucker and Parker Porter. Lane, a seasoned campaigner, boasts an impressive six-fight winning streak, featuring a Fury FC title triumph over UFC veteran Juan Adams and a triumphant appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series. Barring any unforeseen eye pokes or groin strikes, fans can anticipate these formidable heavyweights to engage in an all-out slugfest, with a swift resolution likely.

Tyson Pedro vs. Anton Turkalj

The opening contest of the main card presents a homecoming for the beloved local, Tyson Pedro, who welcomes “The Pleasure Man” Anton Turkalj to Sydney. Pedro returned to action last year after a lengthy hiatus, securing first-round stoppage victories over Ike Villanueva and Harry Hunsucker. However, his most recent outing concluded in disappointment with a unanimous decision loss to Modestas Bukauskas. Turkalj, who emerged victorious on Week 1 of Season 6 of Dana White’s Contender Series but missed securing a contract, is now seeking redemption following back-to-back setbacks. This light heavyweight showdown assumes pivotal significance for both fighters as they aim to ascend the divisional ladder.

Preliminary Fights

Carlos Ulberg vs. Da Woon Jung

In the light heavyweight division, Carlos Ulberg collides with Da Woon Jung in an encounter that could significantly influence the divisional rankings. Ulberg has exhibited remarkable growth, amassing four consecutive victories after a less-than-ideal promotional debut in March 2021. Da Woon Jung commenced his UFC journey with an impressive five-fight unbeaten streak, positioning himself on the cusp of breaking into the Top 15. However, consecutive losses to Dustin Jacoby and Devin Clark have nudged him down the rankings. This bout guarantees explosive action, as both combatants strive to make a resounding statement.

Jack Jenkins vs. Chepe Mariscal

The featherweight division features an enthralling clash between Dana White’s Contender Series alumnus Jack Jenkins, aiming for his third UFC victory this year, and Chepe Mariscal, returning to his natural weight class with hopes of securing his second UFC triumph in less than three months. Jenkins, riding a seven-fight winning streak, seeks to continue his remarkable run. Meanwhile, Mariscal follows Jenkins into the cage, coming off a short-notice victory at lightweight. This contest is poised to be a crowd-pleaser within the featherweight division.

Jamie Mullarkey vs. John Makdessi

Experienced lightweights Jamie Mullarkey and John Makdessi lock horns in a pivotal matchup during the preliminary card. Mullarkey looks to rebound from a recent upset loss, having experienced the crushing impact of a thunderous right hand. Makdessi returns to action following a year-long hiatus, eager to erase the memory of a unanimous decision loss to Nasrat Haqparast. This fight assumes immense importance for both fighters as they seek redemption and a resurgence in the lightweight division.

Nasrat Haqparast vs. Landon Quinones

Former prospect Nasrat Haqparast steps into the lightweight division, squaring off against TUF contestant Landon Quinones. Haqparast, with a promising career marred by inconsistent results, aspires to establish a new winning streak. Quinones, a member of Team McGregor on Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, looks to build on his 7-1-1 record while avoiding the pitfalls that marred his previous appearance on the reality TV competition. This encounter holds immense significance for both fighters, as they seek to leave an indelible mark in the highly competitive lightweight division.

Mike Diamond vs. Charlie Radtke

City Kickboxing’s Mike Diamond, burdened with the weight of high expectations, seeks his elusive first UFC victory, but standing in his path is the UFC debutant, Charlie Radtke, riding a four-fight winning streak. Diamond, who garnered significant hype upon signing with the UFC, encountered early setbacks. Radtke, displaying remarkable consistency in his recent performances, clinched the CFFC welterweight title with a first-round submission victory over the previously undefeated.

MAIN CARD

• Champ Israel Adesanya (-600) vs. Sean Strickland (+440) – for middleweight title
• Tai Tuivasa (+185) vs. Alexander Volkov (-225)
• Felipe dos Santos (+310) vs. Manel Kape (-395)
• Austen Lane (+200) vs. Justin Tafa (-245)
• Tyson Pedro (-105) vs. Anton Turkalj (-115

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPNews/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)

• Da Woon Jung (+200) vs. Carlos Ulberg (-250)
• Jack Jenkins (-210) vs. Chepe Mariscal (+175)
• John Makdessi (+180) vs. Jamie Mullarkey (-220)
• Nasrat Haqparast (-500) vs. Landon Quinones (+380)

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