Sean Strickland Outlasts Nassourdine Imavov, Earns Unanimous Decision – UFC Vegas 67 Results (Highlights)

Sean Strickland got back into the win column with a short-notice victory over Nassourdine Imavov on Saturday night

Written by Craig Pekios
Last updated on January 14th, 2023
Sean Strickland
Courtesy of @UFC on Twitter

Sean Strickland closed out the UFC’s 2022 with a main event clash against Jared Cannonier. On Saturday night, Strickland opened up the promotion’s 2023 with his second-straight main event appearance at UFC Vegas 67. Stepping in on short notice to replace Kelvin Gastelum, Strickland squared off with rising contender Nassourdine Imavov in a 205-pound clash. 

Round 1

Sean Strickland comes out immediately taking the center of the cage as Imavov is looking for the left hook that put away Strickland in his last outing. Massive right had delivered by Imavov followed by a left that finds its home. Strickland responds with a left. Strickland with a rare leg kick. Quick left from Strickland. Imavov responds with a 1-2. Stutter step left uppercut from Imavov connects and Strickland is angry, charging forward and headhunting. Left jab from Strickland connects followed by a right. Big looping shot from Imavov misses and Strickland counters with a combination. The first round comes to a close with Strickland clinching against the fence. 

Round 2

Sean Strickland continues his pressure in the second as Imavov circles the outside of the Octagon. A minute into the round, Strickland pushes Imavov to the fence and works in the clinch. Strickland begins yelling that Imavov is holding his glove as they separate. Strickland with a 1-2-3 that connects. Strickland lands a takedown in the middle of the Octagon, but Imavov was able to pop back up and get to the fence. Imavov is able to separate and throws a combination that is answered by Strickland. After a brief exchange, Strickland again pushes Imavov to the fence and works in the clinch. Imavov separates and gets back to the center. Imavov appears to be getting Strickland’s timing which encourages Strickland to clinch once again as the round ends.

Round 3

Both fighters come out to the center of the Octagon and trade blows in the pocket. Stiff jab from Sean Strickland lands followed by another. Check left from Imavov connects, but the output from Imavov has begun to slow. Strickland keeps Imavov inside the pocket, peppering him with jabs and the occasional body kick. 1-2 from Strickland. Imavov answers with a shot to the body. Imavov throws a right and Strickland clinches. They separate and Imavov throws a spinning back fist that Strickland ducks under and nearly parlays into a takedown as the third round comes to a close.

Round 4

More of the same in round four with both fighters standing inside the pocket and trading blows. Strickland with a 1-2 that pops Imavov’s head back. Strickland throws a combination that Imavov dodges by ducking under and clinching. Imavov separates and the fighters move back to the center. Strickland is leading the charge in the fourth as he eclipses his significant strike record. Imavov appears to go for a takedown as Strickland moves in, but Strickland is able to stay on his feet and push Imavov to the fence. The two fighters jockey for position before Strickland moves off the cage and both fighters return to the center. Both fighters are showing fatigue, but Strickland appears to be the fresher of the two, running away with the strike total in the fourth. 1-2 from Strickland as the horn sounds.

Round 5

Imavov comes out knowing he likely needs a finish. Strickland puts Imavov against the fence to avoid any potential danger and let the clock run. Imavov separates and attempts to land some big elbow strikes in close quarters, but Strickland once again grabs and holds. Imavov separates, each time trying to land a knockout shot, but Strickland is able to clinch once again stifling Imavov’s offense. Knee up the middle from Imavov lands as he continues to push forward with the clock ticking away. Strickland unloads in the last 10 seconds and raises his hands, believing he’s done enough to secure the victory.
 

Official Result: Sean Strickland def. Nassourdine Imavov via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)

Check Out Highlights From Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Vegas 67 Below:

 

Published on January 14, 2023 at 9:59 pm
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Craig Pekios

Craig Pekios
Covering the world of Mixed Martial Arts since 2012. Providing the latest news, picks, scores, results, and commentary on the world of MMA.

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