UFC Vegas 67 goes down this weekend at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. In the main event, Sean Strickland steps in on short notice to face Nassourdine Imavov in a light heavyweight matchup.
Imavov was originally scheduled to face Kelvin Gastelum in a middleweight matchup, but the latter was forced to withdraw due to injury. Strickland has stepped in on short notice to save the day for his opponent and the UFC, with the fight between the two taking place at light heavyweight.
UFC Vegas 67: Analysis And Prediction
Strickland is looking for a quick rebound after dropping a closely contested decision to Jared Cannonier at UFC Vegas 66 over three weeks ago, and will be in some sort of fighting form. A light heavyweight fight will favour him more since he won’t have to cut down to middleweight. The fight will likely be a striking battle since both fighters like to stand and trade shots. Strickland will have the advantage as far as experience and reach is concerned. He is also very durable. Imavov has a better finishing rate.
Statistically, Strickland is better offensively as he lands a little over five and a half significant strikes per minute on average, whereas Imavov lands a little over four. Imavov is better defensively as he absorbs only two and a half significant strikes per minute on average whereas Strickland absorbs close to five. Although both fighters are predominantly strikers, they are very good grapplers as well. Strickland has better takedowns whereas Imavov has a better submission average.
All in all, it will be a closely contested fight with Strickland using his experience to return to winning ways.
Prediction: Sean Strickland by decision
Betting Odds
Sean Strickland (-105)
Nassourdine Imavov (-115)
Who do you think will win the light heavyweight fight between Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Vegas 67?