UFC 293 ultimate guide: Sean Strickland punches fan in stomach, extra security ordered
UFC president Dana White called in more security for Sean Strickland ahead of UFC 293 in Sydney this weekend after reports the headliner struck an overzealous fan in the lead up.
Leading up to his title shot against Israel Adesanya at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday, Strickland was approached by an Adesanya fan at Bondi, resulting in the California native punching the fan in the stomach, according to a Fox Sports report.
That news travelled to the promotion's president fast, with White telling reporters in Las Vegas, the company has now organised extra security to travel with the fighter.
LIVE UPDATES: All the scores and action from the US Open day ten
READ MORE: Collingwood great's shock at brutal axing
READ MORE: Matildas stars make history with Ballon d'Or nod
"Yes, we're prepared for it and yes we have people around him now," White said. "So, he won't be punching people in the stomach anymore – for fun or not for fun."
UFC star Sean Strickland spars with an Aussie fan on stage. Twitter
Yet that didn't stop Strickland from posting to social media days later, asking fans if they wanted to spar him at a public session.
"UFC says I must do some open work outs tonight at 540," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "If you bring gloves I'll spar you! Just don't f---ing cut me! Lmao."
And as expected some random fan brought down gloves and took to the stage to throw hands with a gloved up Strickland. It was all in good fun as the UFC star popped the fan in the face a few times.
UFC 293 will the mark the promotion's sixth visit to Sydney and the first since 2017.
Here's everything you need to know:
Where and when is UFC 293?
This Sunday, September 10 at Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney.
Adesanya on top. Getty
UFC 293 start time
The early prelims start at 8.30am AEST, followed by prelims at 10am.
The main event follows that from midday. The headline fights are likely to start some time after 2pm.
Where can I watch UFC in Australia?
The main card is pay-per-view and can be purchased via UFC Fight Pass or Foxtel Main Event and Kayo.
The prelims and early prelims can be watched on ESPN and UFC Fight Pass.
Adesanya speaks during the UFC 293 Open Workouts at Sydney Town Hall. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
UFC 293: Adesanya vs Strickland fight card
Main card
Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland
Tai Tuivasa vs. Alexander Volkov
Manel Kape vs. Felipe dos Santos
Justin Tafa vs. Austen Lane
Tyson Pedro vs.Anton Turkalj
Prelims
Carlos Ulberg vs. Jung Da-un
Jack Jenkins vs.Chepe Mariscal
Jamie Mullarkey vs. John Makdessi
Nasrat Haqparast vs. Landon Quiñones
Early prelims
Mike Mathethavs. Charlie Radtke
Shane Young vs. Gabriel Miranda
Kevin Jousset vs. Kiefer Crosbie
Tai Tuivasa hits the pads during the UFC 293 Open Workouts at Sydney Town Hall. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Tale of The Tape:
Israel Adesanya:
Place Of Birth: Lagos, Nigeria
Age: 34
Alias: 'The Last Stylebender'
Record: 24-2
Height: 6'4"
Reach: 80''
Sean Strickland:
Place Of Birth: Anaheim, California, USA
Age: 32
Alias: Tarzan
Record: 27-5
Height: 6'1"
Reach: 76"
Adesanya is a strong favourite. Getty
Betting odds
Odds correct at time of publishing, 1pm Thursday September 7(TAB )
Israel Adesanya $1.14 vs. Sean Strickland $5.75
Tai Tuivasa $2.97 vs. Alexander Volkov $1.40
Manel Kape $1.25 vs. Felipe dos Santos $4.00
Justin Tafa $1.42 vs. Austen Lane $2.89
Tyson Pedro $1.96 vs. Anton Turkalj $1.88
