In a dramatic UFC 293 showdown held in Australia, Sean Strickland claimed the middleweight title by defeating Israel Adesanya in the headlining bout. The five-round battle culminated in a unanimous decision, delivering Strickland the belt and shifting the middleweight landscape in the sport.
Earlier in the year, at UFC 287, Adesanya reclaimed the championship with a knockout victory over Alex Pereira. Meanwhile, Strickland continued to impress by overcoming Germany’s Abusupyan Magomedov in a swift second-round finish at UFC on ESPN 48, reinforcing his status as a top contender in the division.
The event also featured other compelling moments under a banner largely driven by live online coverage and social media chatter from notable outlets.
In the co main event, the action favored the Russian contender Alexander Volkov, who outboxed and outmaneuvered Tai Tuivasa to secure the win. Volkov pressed the tempo, maintaining control throughout the contest, and with roughly a minute remaining in the second round, he executed a submission attempt that forced Tuivasa to defend vigorously.
Earlier in the year, at UFC Fight Night 221 on March 11, Volkov faced Moldovan challenger Alexander Romanov. Volkov delivered a technical knockout in the first round to earn a decisive victory. The win pushed Volkov’s professional record to a substantial tally, reflecting a career marked by knockouts and consistent performances at the highest level.
Among the broader conversations in the sport, legends and analysts have weighed in on the question of who stands as the greatest MMA fighter in history, with prominent voices placing emphasis on a combination of championship lineage, dominance across multiple divisions, and lasting impact on the sport’s evolution.