UFC: Israel Adesanya loses middleweight title to Strickland in shock defeat

<p>Sean Strickland pulled off a big upset on Saturday as he defeated Israel Adesanya to win the middleweight title in Sydney, Australia.</p>, <p>The 32-year-old combined constant forward movement with solid defence and clinical output at UFC 293.</p>, <p>In doing so, the American beat Adesanya 49-46 on all three scorecards.</p>, <p>As early as the first round, Strickland dropped the Nigerian-New Zealander with a picture-perfect right cross.</p>, <p>The punch sent Adesanya spinning to the canvas before seeking a finish.</p>, <p>Strickland could not quite find the knockout blow, however, as Adesanya survived to the buzzer.</p>, <p>The ensuing rounds were close but Strickland always seemed to be a step ahead of Adesanya, who congratulated his tearful conqueror after the result was confirmed.</p>