ISRAEL ADESANYA returns to action for the UFC 293 main event NEXT weekend – and American star Sean Strickland will be trying to snatch his title.
The Last Stylebender embarrassed Alex Perreira with a second-round knockout to reclaim the belt in April.
APIsrael Adesanya KO Alex Perreira to reclaim the title[/caption]
And with just FOUR weeks notice, UFC president Dana White has confirmed that Adesanya is all set to go up against an ‘absolute maniac’ in Strickland.
Tarzan earned a shot at the title by beating Nassourdine Imavov before annihilating Abus Magomedov two months ago.
But this could be one of the toughest fights in his illustrious career as Adesanya has only lost twice in 26 encounters.
Fans are also in for a treat as there are several epic bouts on the full card.
When is UFC 293 – Adesanya vs Strickland?
UFC 293 which involves Israel Adesanya against Sean Strickland will take place on Saturday, September 9.
The early preliminary card is scheduled to get underway at 11:30pm BST / 6:30pm ET before the preliminary card starts at 1am BST / 8pm ET.
And once that has concluded, the main card will commence from 3am BST / 10pm ET.
Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia is the chosen venue for this huge bill and it can host approximately 21,000 spectators.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
Both preliminary cards will be broadcast LIVE on the UFC Fight Pass for subscription members.
But fans in the UK can tune into TNT Sports for the main event while US spectators will need to head to ESPN+ PPV.
A TNT Sports monthly subscription costs £29.99 but other sports packages are available.
Alternatively, SunSport will have round-by-round coverage of the entire UFC 293 event through our live blog.
What is the FULL UFC 293 card?
Fans are all looking forward to Adesanya’s title defence against Sean Strickland.
However, Alexander Volkov will be fighting in the co-main event against Tai Tuivasa.
GettyAlexander Volkov will be in action on the UFC 293 bill[/caption]
Main Card
MAIN EVENT: Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland – UFC middleweight title Tai Tuivasa vs Alexander Volkov Manel Kape vs Felipe Dos Santos Justin Tafa vs Austen Lane Tyson Pedro vs Anton Turkalj
Preliminary card
Carlos Ulberg vs Da Woon Jung Jack Jenkins vs Chepe Mariscal Jamie Mullarkey vs John Makdessi Nasrat Haqparast vs Landon Quinones
Early preliminary card
Mike Diamond vs Charlie Radtke Shane Young vs Gabriel Miranda Kevin Jousset vs Kieffer Crosbie
What has been said?
Adesanya wasn’t afraid to reveal his thoughts on No.1 contender Dricus Du Plessis pulling out of next weekend before proceeding to slate how Strickland conducts himself.
On social media, The Last Stylebender said: “I don’t even know how to start this, but ‘Dricus du P****,’ you f****** b****.
“I don’t like the way he [Strickland] conducts himself. Even his sparring footage will pop up in my feed sometimes and I’m just like what the f***? Who does that? He’s a gym hero.
“He’s just an idiot and he’s not the kind of person I associate myself with and also he’s fugazi.”