Kiwi-stacked card a highlight of UFC 293 in Sydney

The UFC is in Sydney for the first time since 2017. A card stacked with kiwis, it will be a night to remember for New Zealand mixed martial arts at the Qudos Bank Arena. Jonty Dine runs down the CKB fighters who will make the walk to the Octagon today.

Main Event: Israel Adesanya (24-2) vs. Sean Strickland (27-5)

UFC Middleweight Championship. 4pm NZT approx.

Scheduled for 5x5 Minute rounds.

As Bruce Buffer would say, this is the one we have all been waiting for. Ever since the fireworks of the UFC 276 Press Conference when these two first traded insults, fans have been calling for them to get in the cage. Adesanya is expected to make quick work of the outspoken Strickland, though with his forward pressure and solid chin, the American has the tools to shock the world. However, despite his non-stop trash talk, expect Adesanya's elite striking to silence Strickland in Sydney.

Prediction- Adesanya by TKO

Justin Tafa (6-3) vs. Austen Lane (12-3)

Heavyweight bout. 2.30pm NZT approx.

Scheduled for 3x5 Minute rounds.

Justin Tafa and Austen Lane's rematch promises fireworks, with both heavyweights hungry for victory after their previous encounter ended abruptly due to an eye poke not even thirty seconds into the first. Fighting out of Queensland, Tafa has trained with CKB in the lead up to Sydney and still considers himself a Samoan-Kiwi. These powerhouses are known for their knockout prowess with the stage for a thrilling slugfest that could be over in a blink. With the home crowd in his corner and based on their brief prior encounter, Tafa should find Lane's chin and shut the lights off early.

Prediction- Tafa by KO

Tyson Pedro (13-4) vs Anton Turkalj (8-2)

Light heavyweight bout. 2pm NZT approx.

Scheduled for 3x5 Minute rounds.

CKB light heavyweight Tyson Pedro takes on Anton "The Pleasure Man" Turkalj, in the opening bout of the main card. Pedro made a triumphant return to the octagon in 2022 after joining CKB, scoring back-to-back first-round stoppage wins. However, he was on the wrong end of the scorecards in February against Modestas Bukauskas, losing via unanimous decision. Turkalj is on a two fight losing streak but the swede possesses plenty of knockout power with five career KO's. Pedro will also need to navigate Turkalj's takedowns and prowess on the mat.

Prediction- Turkalj by unanimous decision.

Carlos Ulberg (9-1) vs. Da Woon Jung (15-4-1)

Light Heavyweight bout. 1.30pm NZT approx.

Scheduled for 3x5 Minute rounds.

Light heavyweights Carlos Ulberg and Da Woon Jung will engage in a high-stakes battle, with Ulberg riding a wave of momentum and Jung eager to rebound after recent losses. The clash offers a glimpse into the future of the division, with both fighters vying for a spot among the elite. Ulberg should increase his streak to five with a quick stoppage of the Korean and a gain top 15 spot.

Prediction- Ulberg by TKO.

Blood Diamond (3-2) vs. Charlie Radtke (7-3)

Welterweight bout. 11am NZT approx.

Scheduled for 3x5 Minute rounds.

City Kickboxing's Blood Diamond is seeking redemption after a rocky start in the UFC. However, newcomer Charlie 'Chuck Buffalo' Radtke, riding a four-fight win streak with three cancelled bouts since his last loss, is here to spoil the party and make a name for himself on the grand stage. The octagon will bear witness to a battle of wills between two men desperate to make a statement.

Prediction- Blood Diamond by submission.

Shane Young (13-7) vs. Gabriel Miranda (16-6)

Featherweight bout. 11am NZT approx.

Scheduled for 3x5 Minute rounds.

Shane Young returns, looking to reverse his fortunes after three losses on the trot. The Kiwi is the only survivor from the last Sydney card, where he went down to featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski. Miranda is back in action after a spirited UFC debut. where he took his first fight on short notice, and engaged in an entertaining battle against Benoit Saint-Denis, ultimately losing. The pressure may be too much for Young, who missed weight for the bout, and he may again find himself on the losing end of a close decision loss, one of only two for CKB in Sydney.

Prediction- Miranda by split decision.

Kevin Jousset (8-2) vs Kiefer Crosbie (10-3)

Welterweight bout.10.30am NZT approx.

Scheduled for 3x5 Minute rounds.

Kevin Jousset has been on a roll lately, securing three consecutive wins, including his recent victory over Kitt Campbell. Now, the French fighter representing CKB, is set to step onto the UFC stage. His opponent, Kiefer Crosbie, hailing from Ireland, poses a formidable challenge. While both possess the ability to be thorns in each other's sides, it's Jousset who has garnered more attention, standing as the favourite to emerge victorious in this clash.

Prediction- Jousset by unanimous decision.

Full fight card- From 2pm NZT

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

Undercard- From Midday NZT

Carlos Ulberg vs. Da Woon Jung

Jack Jenkins vs. Jose Mariscal

Jamie Mullarkey vs. John Makdessi

Prelims- From 10am NZT

Mike Diamond vs. Charlie Radtke

Shane Young vs. Gabriel Miranda

Kevin Jousset vs. Kiefer Crosbie

- RNZ