In the annals of UFC history, few moments stand out as vividly as the night when Sean Strickland defied all odds and emerged victorious against the seemingly invincible Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. Held at the illustrious Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, this event not only showcased Strickland’s exceptional prowess but also became a battleground of unexpected twists and intriguing post-fight dialogues.
Originally, the stage was set for rising South African star Dricus Du Plessis to face Adesanya after his impressive win against Robert Whittaker at UFC 290. However, fate intervened, forcing Du Plessis to withdraw due to injury, thus paving the unexpected path for Strickland, who was widely regarded as the underdog in this highly anticipated middleweight title bout.
Against all odds, Strickland exhibited unparalleled resilience and strategic brilliance, securing a unanimous decision that not only dethroned Adesanya but also marked his first claim to the coveted championship gold. This triumph was a testament to the unpredictability of UFC, reaffirming the age-old adage that in the Octagon, anything is possible.
Sean Strickland on Israel Adesanya Post Fight
Yet, the aftermath of the fight was just as compelling as the fight itself. The intriguing post-fight conversation between Strickland and Adesanya became a focal point of discussion within the MMA community. Shedding light on this fascinating exchange, Strickland recently shared his perspective on “The Man Dance” a podcast hosted by him and Chris Curtis. Strickland described the moment as “awkward,” offering insight into the customary post-fight rituals prevalent in the MMA world.
During this conversation, Adesanya unexpectedly defended his family’s honor, a subject Strickland claimed no prior knowledge of, leading to a perplexing moment of miscommunication. Adesanya’s impassioned defense struck a chord with Strickland, prompting him to reflect on the situation with a mix of bewilderment and empathy. Strickland’s candid commentary indicated a blend of surprise and concern for Adesanya’s mental state, raising the possibility of underlying issues beyond the realm of competition.
“It was so awkward,” Strickland said. “So, you guys don’t know this, like after fights, there’s a lot of showmanship in fighting, you know, ‘go f–k you, f–k you, f–k me.’ Usually, after fights – win or lose – there is this slight ‘Come to Jesus’ moment where, like, dude, it could have been me, but it wasn’t. Here’s a handshake onto the next one. Maybe we get a rematch… whatever.
“Anyway, he says, ‘you talked about my family. I would never do that, and I would never do that.’ He looks at me, and he’s like ‘I would never make fun of your family.’ And I’m like, ‘Izzy, I don’t know your family, bro.’ I don’t know if you have siblings. I don’t know f–k about you. This is after the fight. He starts pointing at his neck, and he’s like my f–king dog man, my dog.’
Strickland Adds
“Bottom line, Izzy, dude, I think the guy needs some help…. With Izzy, it’s starting not to be funny anymore because as I’m starting to understand Izzy and his love of his dog, peanut butter and all, I’m starting to realize that he could have some form of retardation like there’s something f–king wrong with this guy. You know, so now it’s just like I kind of feel bad like I’m picking on the r–ard kid at school that eats his boogers. It’s not funny anymore. It’s still a little funny,” Strickland concluded.
Quotes via BJ Penn
Throughout the lead-up to their title clash, Strickland had openly mocked Adesanya’s affectionate relationship with his dog, a tactic that appeared to genuinely incense the former champion. Despite the pre-fight mind games, Strickland’s post-victory revelation showcased a nuanced perspective, portraying his introspective nature beyond the confines of the Octagon.
As the MMA community eagerly awaits news of Strickland’s first ttle defense, potential challengers like Du Plessis and the victor of the Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa bout at UFC 294 loom on the horizon. Moreover, the possibility of a rematch with Adesanya adds an intriguing layer to the unfolding narrative. However, as UFC CEO Dana White emphasized, no concrete plans have been etched in stone, leaving fans in anticipation of the next chapter in this enthralling saga within the Octagon.
What do you make of the comments from Sean Strickland? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
