The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the Australian shores with UFC 293, set to take place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on September 9th. This pay-per-view event is highlighted by the middleweight title showdown, between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland.

Adesanya vs. Strickland: A Battle of the Titans

Reigning middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, who boasts a record of 24-2, hails from Auckland, New Zealand, and also represents Nigeria, where he was born. Holding the No. 5 position on the men's pound-for-pound rankings, "The Last Stylebender" seeks to inaugurate his second title reign. His impressive 16 knockout victories, six of which came in the first round, make him a formidable opponent for anyone. Adesanya's remarkable record includes wins over MMA elites like Alex Pereira, Robert Whittaker, and Anderson Silva.

Challenging Adesanya is the No. 5 middleweight, Sean Strickland. Fighting out of Corona, California, Strickland comes into this fight with a record of 27-5, looking to snatch the title and add the biggest win to his career. Strickland's varied arsenal includes 11 knockout wins and four submission victories. Furthermore, his impressive first-round finishes on nine occasions testify to his deadly efficiency.

Heavyweight Showdown: Tuivasa vs. Volkov

Before the main event, the co-main event will witness a collision of heavyweights. The Australian fan favorite, Tai Tuivasa, steps into the Octagon once more with hopes of providing his home crowd with another unforgettable moment. Holding a record of 15-5, Tuivasa, known for his quick finishes, seeks to bounce back from recent setbacks and regain his reputation as one of the division's most fearsome strikers.

On the other side of the cage, Moscow's Alexander Volkov, comes in with a 36-10 record, aiming for his third straight win. The No. 8 UFC heavyweight is well-known for his knockout power and technical prowess, with victories over fighters like Alexander Romanov and Marcin Tybura under his belt.

Odds and Other Highlights

Betting odds suggest Adesanya is a heavy favorite at -650 against Strickland, who comes in at +460. In the heavyweight co-main event, Volkov is favored at -250 with Tuivasa at +205.

The main card, beginning at 10 p.m. ET, is stacked with other exciting bouts, including:

Justin Tafa vs. Austen Lane in a heavyweight clash

Anton Turkalj vs. Tyson Pedro in the light heavyweight division

Nasrat Haqparast facing Landon Quinones in a lightweight bout