In a surprising turn of events at UFC 293, Sean Strickland pulled off an upset victory over the former two-time champion, Israel Adesanya. This wild outcome left the MMA world buzzing, and one person who’s certainly impressed is none other than Alex Pereira.
Strickland, a native of Anaheim, Calif., stepped into what was considered enemy territory in Sydney, Australia, to face Adesanya on relatively short notice. Despite the odds and predictions favoring Adesanya, Strickland emerged victorious with a dominating unanimous decision. To put it into perspective, Strickland closed as a significant underdog at +350, while Adesanya was the favorite at -770. This win has to be considered one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.
What’s intriguing about this story is that Strickland had previously faced Pereira just a year ago, coming close to earning a title shot until he met the Brazilian powerhouse’s fists head-on. Pereira, also known as “Poatan,” became a champion after defeating Strickland and eventually teamed up with him in training. However, Pereira is quick to downplay any influence on Strickland’s recent triumph.
In a candid statement on his YouTube channel, Pereira shared his thoughts, saying, “I spent a few days training with Sean Strickland, and I got to see how talented he is. His strategies, how tough he is, I got a better understanding of this from training than actually fighting him. It was totally different because anyone who trains, who fights, knows how it is. During practice, we have more room to play around and that’s what I was able to pick up from him and that’s why I was so sure he was gonna win.”
He continued to emphasize that he had no direct impact on Strickland’s victory, despite their training together. Pereira believes Strickland’s success is entirely his own, attributing it to Strickland’s dedication, unique fighting style, and his impressive performance against Adesanya.
Pereira, who had previously lost his title to Adesanya in an instant rematch, doesn’t foresee a similar situation occurring between Strickland and Adesanya. He suggests that Adesanya should take some time to rest and recover, hinting that the former champion may have had an off night at UFC 293.
Speaking of Adesanya’s performance, there has been some criticism in the MMA community that he didn’t fight at his best. Even UFC President Dana White mentioned that Adesanya appeared slow in the octagon. However, Pereira dismisses these notions and instead praises Strickland’s intelligence and strategy, stating, “Clearly, Sean came in and shut his game down. He was really smart. He was moving forward all the time with an amazing defense and let’s not forget the precise strikes. He walked less, circled, and landed the best attacks. You all saw the result.”
In conclusion, Pereira congratulated Sean Strickland for his remarkable victory and expressed his happiness at the change in the division’s champion. He believes that Strickland’s time has come and that it’s unlikely anyone will take the title away from him. So, fans can look forward to more epic fights in the middleweight division.
This UFC 293 event was truly a rollercoaster of surprises, proving once again that in MMA, anything can happen. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of sports, and remember, it’s always the unexpected moments that make this “silly sport” so captivating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC 293 Upset
What was the significance of Sean Strickland’s victory at UFC 293?
Sean Strickland’s victory at UFC 293 was significant because it marked a stunning upset over the former two-time champion Israel Adesanya. Strickland, who was considered an underdog, secured a dominant unanimous decision, making it one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.
Did Alex Pereira play a role in Sean Strickland’s win?
No, Alex Pereira did not play a direct role in Sean Strickland’s victory. Although Pereira had trained with Strickland for a few days, he emphasized that the credit for the win belongs entirely to Strickland. Pereira acknowledged Strickland’s talent, dedication, and unique fighting style but stated that he had no influence on the outcome.
What did Alex Pereira say about Sean Strickland’s performance?
Alex Pereira praised Sean Strickland’s performance, highlighting his intelligence, strategy, and precise strikes. Pereira commended Strickland for effectively shutting down Israel Adesanya’s game plan and moving forward with an impressive defense. He also expressed his happiness for Strickland’s success in the middleweight division.
What’s next for Israel Adesanya after his loss at UFC 293?
After his loss at UFC 293, it’s suggested that Israel Adesanya should take some time to rest and recover. The former champion may need to assess his performance and make necessary adjustments. The MMA community has debated whether Adesanya had an off night, and his future plans remain uncertain.
How does this upset impact the middleweight division in the UFC?
Sean Strickland’s upset victory has a significant impact on the middleweight division. It signifies a changing of the guard and introduces Strickland as the new champion. His dominant win raises questions about potential challengers and sets the stage for exciting future matchups in the division.
5 comments
big upsets = big excitement in ufc, strickland was really smart!
lol MMA’s always full of surprises, great write-up!
Adesanya probz needs a rest, wonder what’s next for him…?
wow sean strickland did it! pereira thinks he’s talented no doubt
can’t wait for more epic fights! #UFC293