UFC News
Sean Strickland turns UFC middleweight rankings upside down, enters pound-for-pound list
Fernando Quiles - September 12, 2023
Sean Strickland brilliantly executed an effective game plan against Israel Adesanya, and the UFC rankings have been thrown in a tailspin as a result. Strickland was effective in getting out of the way of Adesanya’s kicks and stifling his counter-striking at UFC 293. His pressure game was also too much for “The Last Stylebender,” who had no answer after suffering a first-round knockdown. Strickland took the unanimous decision victory and the UFC middleweight gold.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 139 with Jasmine Jasudavicius, Christos Giagos, and Kyle Nelson
Cole Shelton - September 12, 2023
The 139th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of Noche UFC this Saturday. We’re first joined by UFC flyweight Jasmine Jasudavicius (1:39). Next, UFC lightweight Christos Giagos (13:39) comes on. Closing out the program is UFC featherweight Kyle Nelson (26:20).
Ian Machado Garry shares his thoughts on the UFC 293 main event: “What did Sean Strickland do that was elite?”
Harry Kettle - September 12, 2023
UFC fighter Ian Machado Garry wasn’t overly impressed with the nature of Sean Strickland’s win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. Last weekend at UFC 293, Sean Strickland put on a show. He defeated Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision to capture the UFC middleweight championship. In doing so, he produced one of the biggest upsets in the history of mixed martial arts. It was the kind of win that sent shockwaves through the sport and, as you can imagine, there are plenty of opinions flying around.
Alexander Volkov shocked that he didn’t receive a bonus after defeating Tai Tuivasa with an Ezekiel choke at UFC 293: “It was my very first submission”
Harry Kettle - September 12, 2023
Alexander Volkov has expressed his surprise at not being awarded a bonus for his submission win over Tai Tuivasa. Last weekend at UFC 293, Alexander Volkov and Tai Tuivasa went to war. They put it all on the line in the heavyweight division and in the end, Volkov got the win via Ezekiel choke in the second round. It was his first submission win in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and it took his current win streak up to three.
Robert Whittaker sends a strong message after watching fellow fighters use homophobic slurs at UFC 293: “Really young kids watching. Set a good example”
Harry Kettle - September 12, 2023
UFC star Robert Whittaker wasn’t too pleased after seeing his fellow fighters use homophobic slurs at UFC 293. As was the case for many of us, Robert Whittaker sat and watched UFC 293 last weekend and enjoyed the drama on display throughout. It was a fun, competitive card, with lots of big moments – especially in the middleweight division.
WATCH | Sean Strickland breaks his UFC belt, fixes it with duct tape
Cole Shelton - September 11, 2023
Sean Strickland has already broken his UFC belt. Strickland became the UFC’s new middleweight champion on Saturday night – Sunday afternoon in Australia – as he cruised to a decision win over Israel Adesanya. It was one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, and Strickland even nearly finished the fight as he dropped Adesanya in the first round.
What's next for Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya after UFC 293?
Cole Shelton - September 11, 2023
In the main event of UFC 293, the middleweight title was up for grabs as Israel Adesanya was looking to defend his strap against Sean Strickland. Adesanya entered the fight having reclaimed his title last time out with a KO win over Alex Pereira back in April. Before that, he suffered a fifth-round TKO loss to Pereira to lose his middleweight title. Strickland, meanwhile, was just 2-2 in his last four but was riding a two-fight win streak as he TKO’d Abus Magomedov his last time out.
UFC fighter reportedly arrested in Thailand for kidnapping, torturing and extorting a man
Cole Shelton - September 11, 2023
UFC fighter Khusein Askhabov was arrested in Thailand for allegedly forcing his way into an Italian man’s house and then robbing, kidnapping, and torturing him. Askhabov and his twin brother Khasan were arrested on Sept. 5 according to The Phuket News. According to the report, the brothers allegedly forced their way into a villa at a resort in Cherng Talay, where they gagged and beat a man across an extended period of time for information.
Michael Chandler still eyeing Conor McGregor despite middleweight comment: "Finally an easy cut"
Josh Evanoff - September 11, 2023
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler is even down to face Conor McGregor at middleweight. ‘Iron Mike’ and ‘The Notorious’ famously coached the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter earlier this summer. Tensions were high when filming, with the two nearly getting into a brawl on one occasion. However, even during the show’s filming, Conor McGregor stated that he didn’t want to fight Michael Chandler.
Alex Pereira says he had "nothing to do" with Sean Strickland beating Israel Adesanya at UFC 293: "The credit is all his"
Cole Shelton - September 11, 2023
Alex Pereira says he deserves no credit for Sean Strickland defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. Pereira and Strickland fought back in July 2022, and it was the Brazilian who won by first-round knockout to earn a title shot. Alex Pereira eventually went on to win the UFC middleweight championship but ended up losing the belt back to Israel Adesanya in their rematch. Shortly after that, ‘Poatan’ and Strickland trained with one another for a few weeks.
Robert Whittaker rejects idea Israel Adesanya was "off" at UFC 293: "Sean shut him down"
Josh Evanoff - September 11, 2023
UFC middleweight contender Robert Whittaker doesn’t believe Israel Adesanya was off on Saturday. ‘The Last Stylebender’ returned to the octagon opposite Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 293 this weekend. Heading into the matchup, Israel Adesanya was a massive betting favorite. Furthermore, he was already targeting a future title defense against Dricus du Plessis following his win over Robert Whittaker in July.
Ian Garry hopeful for future dream fight with Colby Covington: "Slap the mouth off of him"
Josh Evanoff - September 11, 2023
UFC welterweight contender Ian Garry is eyeing a future clash with Colby Covington. ‘The Future’ is fresh off his return opposite Neil Magny at UFC 292 last month. Heading into the bout, it was viewed as the biggest challenge of Ian Garry’s career thus far. However, the Irishman easily dominated, scoring a unanimous decision win over the longtime contender last month.
Dricus Du Plessis slams Israel Adesanya's UFC 293 performance: "Get your sh*t together"
Fernando Quiles - September 11, 2023
Dricus Du Plessis has gone off on Israel Adesanya for his performance at UFC 293. This past Saturday night (September 9), Adesanya put the UFC middleweight prize on the line against Sean Strickland. Many expected this to be a cakewalk for “The Last Stylebender.” Instead, Adesanya had no answer for Strickland’s relentless pressure. “Izzy” was even dropped by a punch in the opening frame. In the end, Strickland took home UFC gold via unanimous decision.
Teddy Atlas explains what went wrong for Israel Adesanya at UFC 293
Fernando Quiles - September 11, 2023
An icon among boxing trainers, Teddy Atlas, has given his take on what went south for Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. “Izzy” is no longer the UFC middleweight champion after suffering a unanimous decision loss to Strickland. It was apparent throughout the fight that Adesanya struggled with his opponent’s pressure. Strickland also demonstrated his ability to move out of the way of Adesanya’s kicks consistently. Ultimately, Strickland’s first-round knockdown set the tone for the fight, and he rode that momentum all the way until the final horn.
Conor McGregor teases move to 185lbs following Sean Strickland’s title win at UFC 293: “I’d fancy it”
Fernando Quiles - September 11, 2023
Conor McGregor is once again having some fun on Twitter, this time teasing a move to middleweight. McGregor has been no stranger when it comes to hinting at changing weight classes. Throughout his recovery journey after suffering a broken tibia and fibula, the “Notorious” one has bulked up considerably. It’s to the point where many are wondering if McGregor will end up returning to the lightweight division at all.
Manel Kape issues apology after using a homophobic slur during his callout of Kai Kara-France at UFC 293
Harry Kettle - September 11, 2023
UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape has issued an apology after using a homophobic slur during his callout of Kai Kara-France. It’s safe to say that Manel Kape has been a busy man this week. After his fight against Kai Kara-France was called off, Kape got into a verbal altercation with both Kai and Israel Adesanya during the pre-fight press conference earlier this week. Then, at UFC 293, he defeated Felipe dos Santos in what proved to be one hell of a fight.
Sean O’Malley shoots down Aljamain Sterling’s request for an immediate rematch: “If it was close, maybe”
Harry Kettle - September 11, 2023
Sean O’Malley has dismissed the idea of Aljamain Sterling receiving an immediate rematch against him following UFC 292. Last month at UFC 292, Sean O’Malley knocked out Aljamain Sterling to become the new UFC bantamweight champion. In doing so, he set himself apart from the rest of the 135-pound division, and he did so in style.
Sean Strickland reflects on his journey to become UFC middleweight champion: “Thank god for child abuse”
Harry Kettle - September 11, 2023
Sean Strickland has taken a look back at his incredible journey that led to him capturing the UFC middleweight championship. Last weekend, Sean Strickland shocked the world. He took on Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 293, and he defeated ‘Stylebender’ over the course of five rounds. He also dropped the former champ, with many believing he was close to stopping him in the first round.