In the highly anticipated matchup set for UFC 293 in Sydney on September 9th, reigning middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is gearing up to defend his title against Sean Strickland. This fight marks Adesanya’s first defense of his second reign as the 185-pound champion, and if Jon Jones’ prediction is any indication, it could be a night of dominance for “The Last Stylebender.”
Adesanya’s journey back to the middleweight championship has been nothing short of remarkable. He regained the title in April with a stunning knockout victory over his rival, Alex Pereira, in a highly anticipated rematch. As the fight against Strickland draws near, oddsmakers have shown immense confidence in Adesanya, listing him as a substantial favorite with odds as high as -650, while Strickland finds himself cast as a significant underdog at +475.
What does Jon Jones, a legendary figure in the UFC and a former rival of Adesanya, think about this matchup? According to Jones, it’s not a reflection of Strickland’s skills but rather a testament to Adesanya’s exceptional prowess in the cage. Adesanya’s precision, striking, and overall ability set him apart in the division.
Jon Jones Predicts Dominant Victory for Israel Adesanya in UFC 293 Title Defense Against Sean Strickland
Originally, Adesanya had his sights set on defending his title in Australia, near his home country of New Zealand. However, fate had different plans, as his bitter rival Dricus Du Plessis, who was initially scheduled for the title shot, couldn’t recover in time from an injury sustained after his victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 290. This twist of fate opened the door for Strickland, who earned his shot with consecutive wins over Abusupiyan Magomedov and light heavyweight Nassourdine Imavov.
Jon Jones, once embroiled in a bitter feud with Adesanya, now stands firmly in his corner. He has seen Adesanya’s growth and evolution as a fighter, and he believes that the champion’s skills and mindset make him the rightful favorite in this matchup.
As the countdown to UFC 293 begins, fight fans can’t help but anticipate an electrifying clash between Adesanya and Strickland. While the odds may paint a clear picture, the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts ensures that anything can happen inside the octagon.