UFC boss Dana White has confirmed that Nigerian-born New Zealander, Israel Adesanya, will be given a rematch against Sean Strickland after losing his middleweight belt to the American on Sunday morning at the Qudos Arena in Sydney, Australia.
Strickland produced a major upset in the main event of UFC 293 by winning a unanimous decision against Adesanya.
The win goes down as one of the biggest upsets in MMA history as Strickland was a huge underdog heading into the fight, with fans and pundits tipping ‘Stylebender’ to beat him with ease.
Adesanya will have the chance to avenge the defeat and win back his middleweight world title as White confirmed a second fight between the pair will likely be made next.
Strickland left the octagon without a mark on his face, whilst Adesanya suffered a swollen eye and bloodied lip as a result of his loss.
Strickland was surprised at how easy the fight ended up being and he admitted to wrestling for most of his training camp despite not attempting a single takedown against Adesanya.
Adesanya was expected to fight Dricus Du Plessis at the Sydney event but Strickland was drafted in as a last-minute opponent.
Strickland was unfazed when asked about his next title challenger as he welcomed a rematch with Adesanya despite his win against the Nigerian-born Kiwi being one-sided.
