UFC 293, held in September 2023 in Sydney, Australia, was one of the most talked-about events in UFC history. The night was headlined by Israel Adesanya’s shocking upset loss to Sean Strickland, a result that sent shockwaves across the MMA world. The event featured brutal knockouts, surprising decisions, and marked a turning point for the middleweight division. Two years later, in 2025, the reverberations of UFC 293 are still felt as fans, fighters, and analysts continue to debate its impact on careers, UFC rankings, and the global MMA scene. This article explores the event in detail, its aftermath, recent trends, and why UFC 293 will always be remembered as one of the defining nights in modern combat sports.
What Was UFC 293?
UFC 293 was a pay-per-view mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, staged on 10 September 2023 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. It was the UFC’s return to Sydney after nearly six years, and the promotion leaned heavily on its international fanbase to create one of the year’s most electric cards.
The event was headlined by a middleweight title fight between reigning champion Israel Adesanya and American contender Sean Strickland. Many expected Adesanya to defend his belt comfortably, but the outcome would stun the MMA world.
Other key bouts on the card included heavyweight knockout artist Tai Tuivasa versus Alexander Volkov, as well as appearances from rising stars and local Australian fighters who drew huge support from the Sydney crowd.
Defining Moments of UFC 293
Sean Strickland’s Career-Defining Victory
The main event saw Sean Strickland defeat Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision after five rounds of disciplined striking and relentless pressure. Strickland dropped Adesanya in the first round and controlled the pace throughout. Judges scored the bout 49-46 in Strickland’s favour, crowning him the new UFC middleweight champion.
This was widely regarded as one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, comparable to Matt Serra’s shocking win over Georges St-Pierre in 2007. Analysts from ESPN, MMA Fighting, and Sherdog noted that Strickland’s awkward style and iron chin frustrated Adesanya, who looked hesitant and uncharacteristically flat.
Alexander Volkov vs Tai Tuivasa
Heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov silenced the home crowd with a dominant submission victory over fan favourite Tai Tuivasa. Using his height and reach, Volkov kept Tuivasa at bay before securing a rare Ezekiel choke submission in the second round. For Tuivasa, the loss marked his third consecutive defeat, sparking questions about his future in the heavyweight division.
Local Heroes and Rising Stars
Australian fighters had mixed fortunes on the card. Jack Jenkins secured a gritty win in the featherweight division, while Tyson Pedro struggled in his return fight. The Sydney crowd remained electric throughout, proving the UFC’s global reach and Australia’s passion for MMA.
Why UFC 293 Shocked the MMA World
The Fall of a Champion
Israel Adesanya had been one of the most dominant middleweight champions in UFC history, with victories over Robert Whittaker, Paulo Costa, and Alex Pereira. His loss to Sean Strickland, a fighter considered by many to be outside the elite tier, completely reshaped the division. Fans and pundits debated whether Adesanya had underestimated Strickland or if his skills were beginning to decline.
Strickland’s Unexpected Rise
Sean Strickland had always been considered a tough, scrappy contender, but few predicted he could topple Adesanya. His victory catapulted him into superstardom almost overnight. In the months following UFC 293, Strickland’s blunt personality, viral press conferences, and unique fighting style made him one of the UFC’s most polarising champions.
Ripple Effects in the Division
The upset reshuffled the middleweight rankings. Fighters like Dricus du Plessis, Jared Cannonier, and Robert Whittaker suddenly had new opportunities, while Adesanya’s once iron grip on the division appeared broken.
UFC 293 in Numbers
Attendance: 18,168 fans packed Qudos Bank Arena.
Gate revenue: Over $8 million, one of the largest in Australian UFC history.
Pay-per-view buys: Estimated 600,000 globally, boosted by Adesanya’s star power.
Fight bonuses: Performance of the Night went to Sean Strickland and Alexander Volkov, while Fight of the Night went to a thrilling undercard bout between Carlos Ulberg and Da Un Jung.
(Statistics reported by UFC.com and ESPN MMA).
Trends and Discussions (2023–2025)
The Legacy of UFC 293 in 2025
Two years later, UFC 293 continues to be a hot topic in MMA communities. On Google Trends, searches for “UFC 293 Adesanya vs Strickland” spiked not only during the event but again in 2024 when Strickland lost the belt to Dricus du Plessis, prompting fans to revisit the night he shocked the world.
On YouTube, highlight reels of Strickland’s upset victory have millions of views, with fans dissecting every round. Quora discussions often compare UFC 293 to other historic upsets like Holly Holm defeating Ronda Rousey.
On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #UFC293 and #StricklandVsAdesanya resurface whenever either fighter competes. Memes and fan edits continue to keep the narrative alive.
Lessons for Fighters and Fans
The event reinforced key lessons in MMA:
Never underestimate underdogs.
Styles make fights — Strickland’s style proved kryptonite to Adesanya’s.
The unpredictable nature of the UFC is what keeps fans hooked.
Practical Takeaways for MMA Fans
Understanding the Unpredictability
For casual fans, UFC 293 was a reminder that no fighter is unbeatable. Betting favourites can lose, and champions can fall on any given night. This unpredictability is what makes the UFC so compelling.
Following Fighter Development
Watching how fighters recover after setbacks is crucial. Adesanya’s journey after UFC 293 became a case study in resilience, while Strickland’s reign showed how sudden success can reshape careers.
Engaging with MMA Communities
Platforms like Reddit’s r/MMA, YouTube fan channels, and UFC Fight Pass archives allow fans to revisit events like UFC 293, analyse techniques, and engage with discussions that keep the sport vibrant.
Real-Life Impact and Cultural Significance
UFC 293 didn’t just change rankings; it altered careers and cultural narratives. In Sydney, the event boosted tourism and local business revenue. For the UFC, it proved Australia’s viability as a recurring PPV location. For Strickland, it transformed him from an undercard fighter to a headline attraction.
The upset also reignited debates about fighter pay, preparation, and mental pressure, highlighting the human side of combat sports.
FAQs
Who won the main event of UFC 293?
Sean Strickland defeated Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision, becoming the new UFC middleweight champion.
Where was UFC 293 held?
It took place at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, on 10 September 2023.
Why was Sean Strickland’s win considered such a big upset?
Adesanya was a dominant champion and heavy favourite, while Strickland was seen as an underdog. His disciplined striking and relentless pressure shocked fans and analysts alike.
How did UFC 293 affect Israel Adesanya’s career?
The loss raised questions about Adesanya’s dominance and forced him into a rebuild phase. While still an elite fighter, his aura of invincibility was diminished.
Is UFC 293 still relevant in 2025?
Yes, UFC 293 remains a reference point in MMA history for its shocking upset and lasting impact on the middleweight division, sparking ongoing debates among fans.
To Conclude
UFC 293 was more than just another fight card; it was a cultural moment that redefined divisions, legacies, and expectations in mixed martial arts. From Strickland’s shocking triumph to the emotional reactions of fans worldwide, it encapsulated everything that makes the UFC unpredictable and unforgettable. Two years later, its legacy continues to shape discussions, proving that the echoes of that Sydney night will be felt for years to come.
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