UFC Vegas 67: UFC Apex, Las Vegas
The heart of a fighter really shows through when they take short notice fights. And due to another injury to Kelvin Gastelum, that’s what “TARZAN” did. At least the UFC didn’t push him or Nassourdine Imavov to drop down to 185. While 205 might not be where either fighter stays, they proved they can. Especially going five-rounds. So after a 49-46 2X, 48-47 unanimous decision, what is next for Sean Strickland.
Something definitely fun is the answer with a couple of options. He’s the 7th-ranked middleweight and this win probably won’t have an effect on that. A lot of the division is tied up so in a way that limits options. Especially since he can’t walk into a title fight, let alone a title eliminator just yet. The well controlled win ends his two-fight losing streak. But it is his 12th-decision win.
The gritty 31-year old who some deem “crazy”, is in the perfect home with ERIC NICKSICK. When it comes to the champion Alex Pereira or Israel Adesanya; Strickland MAY just always be a level below them. Sort of like a Gustafsson to a Jon Jones. Or a Covington to an Usman. But he’s growing quickly on the fans and that will help decide his path.
What Is Next For Sean Strickland Might Be A Barn Burner
It’s safe to assume he will be back at 185 next. And there was someone who moved up again to 185 from 170. And that is Abdul Razak Alhassan. Neither fighter takes a backwards step, and both love to throw leather. With Alhassan’s dangerous hands, and Strickland prodding forward; who would dare say it wouldn’t be wild to watch.
Strickland’s hunting a title path right now. So the only issue would be is, would he fight an unranked fighter in the division. Especially a dangerous one. Could he control the pace the way he did against Imavov? Or come inside and not get clipped? Not likely. He might have to throw cation to the wind and change things up immediately after the word “fight”. And that’s go for a takedown. Do that enough and use his kicks it might slow down the explosive Alhassan.
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