In the final UFC fight of 2022, outspoken and often controversial middleweight contender Sean Strickland looked for the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career against one-time UFC title challenger, Jared Cannonier. Strickland is coming off a first-round knockout loss to current UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira while Cannonier entered the bout hoping to bounce back from a decision loss to former titleholder Israel Adesanya.
Round 1
Both fighters come out showing a clear respect for one another. Strickland fires and left and Cannonier answers back. Cannonier goes high with a kick. Cannonier controls the center of the Octagon as Strickland looks to counterstrike. Strickland is backed up to the fence and Cannonier fires a 1-2. Cannonier throws a body kick that Strickland catches and scores a takedown. Cannonier quickly gets back to his feet as Strickland clinches against the fence, peppering Cannonier with strikes before separating. Cannonier with a heavy leg kick as Strickland attempts to establish the jab. Body kick from Cannonier. Another heavy leg kick to Strickland. Right cross lands for Strickland as Cannonier attempts to move in bringing a close to the round.
Round 2
Cannonier continues to target the lead leg of Strickland. The jab is starting to land for Strickland as Cannonier continues to bring the pressure. Cannonier lands his 13th leg kick and Strickland is starting to show the damage in his movement. Cannonier is struggling to land his strikes as Strickland is able to keep just out of range while continuing to land his jab. Strickland lands a front kick and follows it up with a flurry. The second round ends with Cannonier in pursuit and landing a solid right to the chin of Strickland.
Round 3
Cannonier opens the third with a solid rip to the body followed up by another leg kick. Body kick by Cannonier followed by another. Jab lands for Strickland as he continues to increase his volume. Cannonier lands his own jab. Left hook, right-hand combo lands for Cannonier. Strickland delivered a combination in response. Cannonier throws another heavy leg kick but is checked by Strickland. Cannonier lands to the body and then whiffs on the 1-2 follow-up as we go into the championship rounds.
Round 4
Sean Strickland comes out throwing a left cross followed by a jab as Cannonier continues to throw heavy leather, but can’t quite find his target. Strickland checks another heavy leg kick. Strickland begins to move forward, tagging Cannonier with a solid right. Inside leg kick from Cannonier lands, but is unable to land clean with his hands as he resumes control of the Octagon. Strickland lands a body kick. Cannonier swings big, but Strickland avoids the danger and returns fire. Cannonier is in hot pursuit, but Strickland peppers him with a series of jabs. Cannonier moves in and Strickland briefly clinches before separating. Moving in again, Cannonier lands a big left hand against the fence. Strickland flashes a smile as the round ends.
Round 5
In the final five minutes, Cannonier kicked things off by going on the attack. Strickland lands a big left that sends Cannonier back momentarily. Both fighters reset in the center of the Octagon and trade jabs. Big right-hand lands for Cannonier. Left-right-left combo for Strickland lands. Cannonier responds with a nice 1-2. With just over two minutes to go, both fighters begin letting their hands go with Strickland throwing combos as Cannonier looked for the one-hitter quitter. Strickland starts to show some damage as the two fighters start swinging for the fences. Cannonier lands a glancing overhand right as we approach the final 10 seconds. Both fighters deplete their gas tanks in the final moments, bringing an end to a closely contested bout.
Official Result: Jared Cannonier def. Sean Strickland via split decision (49-46, 46-49, 49-46)
Check Out Highlights From Sean Strickland vs. Jared Cannonier at UFC Vegas 66 Below:
THE LAST FIGHT OF 2022. 🥲 #UFCVegas66 pic.twitter.com/MALqh0ZUC5
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) December 18, 2022
Our final fight of 2022 goes the distance! Decision up next #UFCVegas66 pic.twitter.com/cwgwkneFlT
— UFC (@ufc) December 18, 2022
A split decision to close the year!
Jared Cannonier ending 2022 with a big win on his resume #UFCVegas66 pic.twitter.com/W4vk6oZS3v
— UFC (@ufc) December 18, 2022
