In the world of MMA, opinions are as diverse as the fighters themselves. Ian Machado Garry, a discerning voice in the realm of combat sports, has cast his verdict on the recent clash between Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. While many celebrated Strickland’s middleweight title win, Machado Garry isn’t entirely convinced that Strickland’s victory was a display of sheer brilliance.
Despite the judges’ unanimous 49-46 scorecards and a near knockout in the opening round, the Irish welterweight journalist maintains that Strickland’s performance didn’t leave him awe-inspired. Instead, he points the finger at Adesanya for not living up to his usual standard of precise and devastating striking, which has been his hallmark in securing eight title wins throughout his UFC career.
In Machado Garry’s view, it’s not so much that Strickland won the fight as it is that Adesanya lost it. He suggests that Adesanya’s fear of losing may have overshadowed his desire to win, resulting in a drop in efficiency, output, and shot selection. This, in turn, played into Strickland’s strengths, allowing his awkward style and relentless pressure to find success.
Machado Garry goes on to dissect the fight, questioning what Strickland did that could be considered truly exceptional. He notes the absence of wrestling and kicks, emphasizing that Strickland mainly relied on a jab and intermittent punches while maintaining relentless forward movement.
Even Dana White, the UFC president, found Adesanya’s performance puzzling, likening it to being in “slow motion” throughout the five rounds against Strickland. Machado Garry believes that if Adesanya had maintained his usual level of output and efficiency, the outcome could have been different.
Looking ahead to a potential rematch, Machado Garry leans heavily in favor of Adesanya. He attributes the outcome of their first encounter to an anomaly rather than a true reflection of their skills. He envisions a different scenario if they were to meet again, confidently stating that he knows how he would approach a fight with Strickland.
In conclusion, Ian Machado Garry’s perspective on the Strickland vs. Adesanya bout is a testament to the diverse opinions that permeate the MMA community. While some celebrate Strickland’s victory, others like Machado Garry scrutinize the details and believe that a rematch could yield a different outcome, with Adesanya returning to the dominating form he’s known for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MMA Analysis
What is Ian Machado Garry’s take on the Adesanya vs. Strickland fight at UFC 293?
Ian Machado Garry believes that Israel Adesanya lost the fight more than Sean Strickland won it. He argues that Adesanya’s performance fell below his usual standards, citing a lack of efficiency, output, and shot selection. Machado Garry thinks Adesanya’s fear of losing overshadowed his will to win.
What did Ian Machado Garry say about Sean Strickland’s performance in the fight?
Machado Garry questioned whether Strickland’s performance was truly exceptional. He highlighted the absence of wrestling and kicks, emphasizing that Strickland mainly relied on a jab and occasional punches while maintaining constant pressure.
How did Dana White react to Israel Adesanya’s performance in the fight?
Dana White, the UFC president, described Adesanya’s performance as being in “slow motion” throughout all five rounds against Strickland, indicating his surprise and disappointment.
Does Ian Machado Garry believe a rematch between Adesanya and Strickland would have a different outcome?
Yes, Machado Garry leans heavily in favor of Adesanya in a potential rematch. He considers the outcome of their first fight as an anomaly and envisions a different scenario in a rematch, where Adesanya returns to his dominating form.
More about MMA Analysis
- MMA Fighting – Ian Machado Garry’s Analysis
- UFC Official Website
- Dana White’s Post-Fight Conference
- Israel Adesanya’s UFC Profile
- Sean Strickland’s UFC Profile
