The Setting: Adesanya was fighting in Sydney, close to his home in Auckland, setting the stage for a memorable match.
Throwback: 2021 U.S. Open Final – Medvedev previously beat Djokovic, disrupting the Serb's Grand Slam dreams.
Ben Shelton running in to handle a drop shot.
Memory Lane: This was Adesanya's first bout in Australia since his UFC middleweight championship win in 2019.
Turning Tides: Strickland dominated the fight, battering Adesanya over five rounds to clinch a unanimous decision.
The Underdog's Moment: Strickland, initially a Plan B opponent, showed he was more than ready for the big stage.
Sean Strickland celebrates after his win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Stats Speak: Adesanya connected with only 34% of his strikes, while Strickland was relentless in his offense.
Unforgettable Moments: Strickland dropped Adesanya in Round 1 with a right-hand punch, shifting the momentum.
Judges' Decision: With scores reading 49-46, Strickland's victory was clear, leading to emotional scenes in the octagon.
Controversy Follows: Strickland's past remarks may pose challenges for the UFC, with his victory magnifying the issues
UFC Title Dynamics: With frequent title changes in recent events, UFC championship runs seem more like sprints than marathons
Division's New Face: Strickland, a journeyman fighter, has now become one of UFC's most talked-about champions.
Looking Ahead: Will Strickland's reign last? As UFC enters a new era, all eyes are on the middleweight division's next moves.