Sean Strickland stepped in to replace Kevin Gastelum, and he will clash with Nassourdine Imavov in the opening UFC event of 2023.
Before Betting on Imavov vs. Strickland
Imavov has 12 wins and three defeats in this MMA career, while his record in the UFC is 4-1. The only defeat came against Phil Hawes, a majority decision, while wins took place against Jordan Williams, Ian Heinisch, Edmen Shahbazyan and Joaquin Buckley.
He is a relatively versatile fighter with solid ground knowledge and much better stand-up skills. Swift and precise punches are Imavov’s top weapon, as well as fast movement inside the octagon.
Sean Stricklan suffered a tough KO against the now middleweight champion, Alex Pereira, and after that, lost via split decision to Jared Cannonier. That bout was the last in 2022, so Tarzan will become the first guy in the UFC to close and open the year with an appearance in the headliner.
Strickland’s fantastic cardio and boxing are the two things that made him one of the elite middleweights. Apart from his personality inside the octagon. Back-to-back losses against Pereira and Cannonier may have deteriorated his position, but he is still one of the best.
Imavov vs. Strickland UFC Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Imavov | Strickland |
|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | 1.80 | 2.05 |
| Bovada | 1.83 | 2.00 |
| BetUS | 1.80 | 2.05 |
| SportsBetting.ag | 1.80 | 2.05 |
| Pinnacle | 1.83 | 2.05 |
| MyBookie | 1.78 | 2.01 |
Strickland is our pick due to his experience and his cardio. Imavov prepared for another fighter, which would be a problem for the Russian, who doesn’t know how to behave in these situations.
