Sean Strickland at UFC 293 media day (MMA Junkie)
Is UFC 293 fight against Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland’s first time fighting out of USA?
As the hype builds for the upcoming clash between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland at UFC 293, there’s been a claim circulating in the MMA world that Strickland will be stepping out of the USA for the first time to fight in international waters. However, a closer look at Strickland’s fight history reveals that this isn’t the case.
Sean Strickland has indeed fought outside the USA in his MMA career. His first international bout occurred on May 31, 2014, at UFC Fight Night: Muñoz vs. Mousasi in Berlin, Germany. Strickland secured a victory in this fight, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Furthermore, Strickland continued his international journey with a match on July 5, 2013, at KOTC: Worldwide in Manila, Philippines. He emerged victorious in this fight, defending his KOTC Middleweight Championship.
Strickland’s overseas endeavors also took him to Canada, where he fought at UFC Fight Night: Volkan vs. Smith in Moncton, New Brunswick, on October 27, 2018. Once again, he secured a victory in this bout.
These international fights demonstrate that Strickland’s upcoming match against Israel Adesanya in Sydney, Australia, is not his first experience fighting outside the United States. While Strickland’s claim added intrigue to the upcoming showdown, his international fighting history paints a more complete picture of his career.
In an intense lead-up to UFC 293, Alexander Volkanovski is warning Sean Strickland that his trash-talking antics won’t spare him from the wrath of reigning middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. The anticipated title showdown is set for September 9 in a sold-out Qudos Bank Arena in Australia.
Volkanovski, a close friend and teammate of Adesanya, anticipates a fiery pre-fight buildup as Strickland is known for his provocative remarks. However, he firmly believes that Strickland’s verbal jabs will come back to haunt him once he steps inside the Octagon with ‘The Last Stylebender.’
“Obviously, Sean is gonna talk, Sean is gonna try and get under his skin,” Volkanovski commented on his YouTube channel. “So that’s gonna make it fun. But I feel Izzy is going to really, really put it on him. Especially with the talk that’s gonna happen. I think Sean Strickland is gonna definitely pay for some of the things he’s gonna say. Stylistically, I feel like he’s definitely gonna get hurt.”
While Strickland is known for his striking, he may attempt to showcase his grappling skills against Adesanya, a move that could backfire, according to the champion. Adesanya, who has never submitted an opponent in his career, believes he’s evolving in his grappling abilities and is confident in his ability to finish fights. Whether it’s a submission or his lethal striking, fans can expect fireworks when these two warriors collide at UFC 293.
Did Dan Hooker break his arm at UFC 290? UFC star confirms arm break via x-ray
Is Bo Nickal’s wife pregnant? UFC star opens up on wife’s pregnancy and more at 290
Dan Hardy Proposes ‘MMA Champions League’ and Backs PFL-Bellator Merger
Follow our dedicated MMA page for instant MMA news and update