WeBeatTheSpread's Premium Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov Prediction

WeBeatTheSpread's Premium Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov Prediction

The UFC returns on Saturday after the holiday break, and it re-opens with a new main event on a week's notice. Nassourdine Imavov was set to kick off 2023 with a matchup at middleweight against Kelvin Gastelum, but Gastelum withdrew after suffering an injury early in the week. In stepped Sean Strickland, who is looking to rebound after a loss not even a month ago at the main event of the last UFC card to close 2022. With the extremely short notice, Strickland has been given the favor of having this fight at light heavyweight instead of a middleweight. Without having to worry about cutting his walk-around weight within a few days, he at least gets the luxury of not having to worry about weight. With that being said, the books are giving Strickland a pretty even chance to win this fight, as he is +110 on the moneyline at the time of writing. Can he get it done in one of the quickest turnarounds we have seen?

Sean Strickland is an American fighter with a professional record of 25-5. He is a well-rounded fighter with a solid grappling background and good striking skills. Strickland is a tough and durable fighter who is comfortable in the clinch and on the ground. He is an intelligent fighter, but he loves to get into wars, which has been his undoing at times. He has fought the best of the best, including Kamaru Usman, Uriah Hall, Alex Pereira, and Jack Hermansson. His credentials speak for themselves, and he can beat just about anyone when he is locked in.

Although Strickland doesn't have to worry about weight as much, it's still challenging to take a five-round fight fresh off another five-round fight that went the distance less than a month ago. Sean Strickland was in a war with Jared Cannonier, and he ended up losing by split decision in a fight that Cannonier set his personal record for most strikes landed. Cannonier landed 141 significant strikes, including 57 to the head and 60 to the body. Even if Strickland doesn't have to worry about his weight, he is probably still a bit shaken up from that fight, but he is such a madman he probably couldn't wait to get back in the octagon. Strickland has the fighter mentality it takes to win, and I'm sure he is pissed he has lost back-to-back fights, something he had not done prior in his career.

Nassourdine Imavov is a French-Russian fighter with a professional record of 12-3. He is known for his striking skills, but he also has a solid wrestling background as a fighter who grew up in Dagestan, Russia, one of the places most famous for elite wrestling. He has a well-rounded game, but he is particularly dangerous on the feet, where he has a lot of power and accuracy. Imavov is also a durable fighter who can take a lot of punishment, which will be an essential factor in this fight.

This fight will likely be a closely contested battle between two fighters with similar skill sets. Imavov's striking power and accuracy will be a key factor in this fight, but Strickland's grappling skills and durability will also be a significant factor. The key for Imavov will be to use his striking skills to keep Strickland at bay and avoid getting taken down. On the other hand, Strickland will look to close the distance, get into the clinch, and take the fight to the ground.

If the fight goes to the ground, Strickland will have the advantage. He has a solid grappling background and is comfortable in the clinch and on the ground. He will look to use his grappling skills to control the pace of the fight and wear down Imavov. On the other hand, Imavov will need to use his grappling skills to get back to his feet and avoid getting stuck on the ground. Many people forget Sean Strickland actually happens to have a black belt in Brazilian Jie-Jitsu, partly because it never seems like he grapples. He prefers to be in wars, but coming off the first set of back-to-back losses in his career, I think he will do whatever he needs to to win this one.

Imavov's striking power and accuracy will be a key factor in this fight, but Strickland's grappling skills and durability will also be a major factor. If Strickland actually uses his grappling in this fight, I think he has a clear advantage on the mat with his BJJ, even though Imavov does have underrated wrestling. Given that this fight is taking place at light heavyweight, I think that plays into Strickland's hand and can give him the edge he needs in this fight. Imavov is still only 27, and he could still be on his way to his prime, but Strickland is as good as he will ever be. Strickland has fought the tougher schedule and has the major experience edge in five-round fights.

This will be Imavov's first five-round fight and also the biggest step up in competition he has seen. Outside of a knockout, this is Strickland's fight to lose in my book.

Pick: Strickland ML @ +110 (Bet $100 to collect $210) Get the best odds, available at DraftKings