Ian Machado Garry, an Irish welterweight fighter, offered his perspective on Sean Strickland’s performance against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. Despite Strickland winning a unanimous decision with scorecards of 49-46 and coming close to a knockout in the first round, Machado Garry was not impressed with Strickland’s performance.
Instead, Machado Garry believed that Adesanya lost the fight more than Strickland won it. He suggested that Adesanya seemed afraid to lose rather than actively pursuing a win, which affected his efficiency, output, and shot selection. Machado Garry argued that Adesanya’s failure to execute his typical precise and devastating striking allowed Strickland’s constant pressure and awkwardness to succeed.
Machado Garry questioned what Strickland did that was truly extraordinary in the fight, pointing out that there was no wrestling or significant kicks involved, and Strickland mainly relied on jabs and constant pressure.
Even UFC President Dana White expressed surprise at Adesanya’s performance, describing it as if he was in “slow motion” throughout the five rounds against Strickland.
Machado Garry believed that if Adesanya had shown his usual output and efficiency, he would have won the fight. He also expressed confidence that in a rematch, Adesanya would dominate, as he considered Strickland’s victory to be an anomaly rather than the norm.
While Machado Garry currently competes at welterweight, he has hinted at potentially exploring middleweight fights in the future. He shared his strategy for a potential fight against Strickland, emphasizing the importance of output, efficiency, and shot selection.