“End of an Era”: Fans React to Israel Adesanya’s Shock Loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293

• Fans took to social media to react to Israel Adesanya’s shock defeat at UFC 293 in Australia
• Adesanya lost to Sean Strickland via unanimous decision in their middleweight title bout
• Fans wrote that the fight changed when Strickland knocked down Adesanya in the first round

Israel Adesanya’s second reign as UFC middleweight king is over after a stunning loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 on Sunday.

Adesanya lost via unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 49-46 in favour of Strickland.

Fans took to social media to react to Adesanya’s shock loss in Australia.

Some wrote that they had just witnessed the end of an era.

One fan noted that the reign of the black UFC champs is over, writing: “Usman and Izzy might not be the same. Francis is gone.”

Another fan wrote that it is a “changing of the guard,” and he is “not sure if Kamaru or Izzy gets back the title again.”

Ten Hag hails Man United ace as the difference-maker during comeback win over Nottingham Forest

Football

He added that the young guys at the welterweight and middleweight divisions are plenty, and they are relentless and coming.

Another fan claimed that “Izzy doesn’t look like a star anymore.”

Knockdown changed Adesanya vs Strickland fight

Fans agreed that the fight swung in Strickland’s favour when he knocked down Adesanya in the first round.

He landed a solid right hand to Adesanya’s jaw, dropping the champ hard with 27 seconds left in the first round.

Strickland tried to finish the fight there, landing several hard shots to Adesanya’s head, but the champ was able to survive.

Fans were shocked to see that happen, as that was the first time Adesanya got knocked down in his UFC career.

The fight changed when Adesanya felt Strickland’s power. The American went on to dominate Adesanya in the final three rounds to record the upset win.

One fan wrote that the knockdown in the first round made Adesanya scared to engage.

Luis Rubiales' mother goes on hunger strike as embattled Spain Football chief's woes deepen

Football

Another said Adesanya felt fear after the knockdown.

Strickland's key to victory

Sports Brief also broke down the fight between Adesanya and Strickland.

Strickland's defense stood out in this clash, with Adesanya struggling to find his range in this contest.

Adesanya was supposed to fight Dricus du Plessis after his win over Alex Pereira, but the South African fighter backed out because of a foot injury.