Announcer Michael Bisping looks on during UFC Fight Night at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 16, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Michael Bisping Reveals Sean Strickland’s ‘One Shot’ to Take Down Israel Adesanya
In the lead-up to UFC 293, legendary Hall of Famer Michael Bisping shared his insights on the forthcoming middleweight clash between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland. Bisping, a UFC 199 champion and Hall of Fame member delved into why Strickland poses a formidable challenge to Adesanya and what Strickland needs to do to seize a shot at victory.
Bisping highlighted the significance of this fight for Strickland, emphasizing that this might be his sole opportunity to contend for a title. Strickland’s tumultuous upbringing has molded him into a fearless fighter, unshaken by the Octagon. Bisping, who has sparred with Strickland over the years, attested to Strickland’s authenticity, both inside and outside the gym.
One of Strickland’s standout attributes, according to Bisping, is his unyielding determination, especially evident in his last victory over Abus Magomedov. Bisping stressed the importance of Strickland’s endurance and gritty resilience in a battle against Adesanya, who is an imposing middleweight champion.
“It’s now or never for Sean Strickland and he’s not getting any younger. As I say, that makes you extremely dangerous. Last time out against Abus Magomedov that was the best version of Sean Strickland. He had a very tough opening round, took a lot of damage but then in round two when he found the range and he found the target, my word he went to work and he let go with a blisteringly fast combination and he got the stoppage. So is it going to be easy? No. Is he going to get his head popped off here and there and have to take some damage? Yeah of course. But he’s been taking damage his whole life and as I say if you put it all together Israel Adesanya cannot underestimate this man, one little bit.”
In Bisping’s eyes, Strickland’s clock is ticking, and he must seize the moment. Bisping commended Strickland’s performance against Magomedov, emphasizing that this tenacity would be crucial in the forthcoming bout. In conclusion, Bisping cautioned against underestimating Strickland, emphasizing that Adesanya should be prepared for an intense and relentless challenge.
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.
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