American Sean Strickland took over as the new middleweight world champion on Sunday after defeating Nigerian-born New Zealander Israel Adesanya in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC, 293.
Expectations were high for Adesanya. He enjoyed all the cheers from the crowd at Qudos Bank Arena in Australia, who thought the 32-year-old Strickland was no match for him.
But the Nigerian disappointed his fans. Strickland gave him no chance to unleash the dynamic striking he is known for.
At the end of the five-round battle, the judges scorecards read 49-46 in favour of the American.
For failing to defend the title he had won from Alex Pereira at UFC 281 in April, Adesanya will now have to live to fight another day.
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
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