'Did not see that coming' - Israel Adesanya’s rival reacts to his shocking defeat at UFC 293

Dricus du Plessis is stunned, just like the rest of the world.

The UFC Middleweight fighter took to social media to share his surprise after the main event of UFC 293.

As noted by DAZN, Sean Strickland shocked the world when he beat Adesanya by unanimous decision to win the Middleweight title.

The American fighter won four of the five rounds on the judges’ scorecards and left Izzy battered and bruised.

Much like the rest of the MMA fans around the world, du Plessis was shocked by the result, especially as he was next in line to face the Nigerian-born Kiwi.

Du Plessis was due to fight the former champion at UFC 293 for the title but was nursing a foot injury. Strickland then stepped up in his place and shocked the world.

Adesanya and du Plessis have shared a storied rivalry, and fans were eager to see the two face off.

Their war of words has been building since du Plessis said he wanted to be the first African champion who lives and trains on the continent, a comment that angered The Last Stylebender.

As Sports Brief also reported, Sean Strickland is the new UFC Middleweight champion, with the American fighter producing one of the biggest upsets in modern-day UFC history.

He defeated Adesanya by unanimous decision to claim the belt in the main event of UFC 293, with Izzy failing to find his range during the bout and struggling against Strickland's power.

Wow! Did not see that coming

— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) September 10, 2023