Robert Whittaker Backs Strickland as a Threat to Adesanya

• UFC

As the world prepares for the main event of UFC 293, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has weighed in with his own analysis of the upcoming bout. Despite popular sentiment leaning heavily in favor of reigning middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, Whittaker is not so quick to discount Sean Strickland's chances.

An Underdog with a Punch

While betting platform DraftKings casts Strickland as the heavy underdog, some, like Whittaker, believe this match might not be as straightforward as the odds suggest. “I am curious to see how Adesanya approaches Sean’s style, because it is very unorthodox,” Whittaker shared with Fox Sports. “He has a very upright, straight stance.

He is susceptible to leg kicks, but he likes that pressure fighting”. Indeed, the most recent display of Strickland's fighting style has many fans and experts taking notice. As Whittaker points out, “The Sean we saw last fight was probably his best showing.

I think that is a very dangerous Strickland”.

The Potential for an Upset

Strickland may not have a reputation for knockout power, but recent victories have showcased his ability to apply forward pressure, leading to TKOs over fighters like Brendan Allen and Abus Magomedov.

For Whittaker, dismissing Strickland based on the past would be a mistake for Adesanya. “I think every middleweight worth their salt has a puncher’s chance,” Whittaker emphasized, drawing from personal experience.

“Every one of us hits like a ton of bricks. And then as you saw with my last fight (against Dricus Du Plessis), grit and determination on the right night can do big things”. Adding to this sentiment, Whittaker described the unique advantages Strickland brings to the octagon. “With Sean coming in with nothing to lose and being a little unorthodox...

his upright stance – he’s taller, so his reach is a little better, he likes to pressure fight... I would not rule Sean out for this fight”.