Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov staff predictions

Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov are the main event of UFC Vegas 67 on Saturday, January 14th. Kelvin Gastelum was originally scheduled to be Imov's opponent but he had to withdraw earlier this week with a mouth injury. Strackland will step in on short notice. The event takes place at the private UFC Apex Facility in Las Vegas. UFC returns to pay-per-view next weekend with UFC 283: Teixeira vs. Hill.

Nassourdine Imavov is a slight favorite for this main event. Sean Strickland is available at even odds.

Sean Strickland is taking on a short notice bout against Nassourdine Imavov. Strackland has a unique guard that rests on or below his chin. Imov is a higher submission threat. I see Imvov controlling the distance early and landing the cleaner strikes. I think Strckland will become more effective if he is in shape and healthy. The smart money is on Imaviov to win. If Strrickland can turn the fight around by the third round and build momentum, I expect him to take the last three rounds. He's the favorite. They're going to go for a fight.

Imavov has impressed each time he's entered the octagon. His typical path to victory is to start slow, fight behind his jab, and time up his opponent. In his sole UFC loss, Imavova looked crisp and in control for much of the fight. Strickland out-landed Cannonier but Cannoniers did more damage. Imov's main concern is cardio. He has to address that in a 5-round fight with Gastelum. He is a better matchup for Imvov than Strackland. Gastlum can push a nasty pace and has the power to hurt a gassed opponent in later rounds.

Sean Strickland fights Joe Pounders. Nassourdine Imavov is a highly technical striker. He is similar to his fellow countryman and teammate Ciryl Gane. Imvov beat Joaquin Buckley by using advanced footwork and takedowns. Strrickland fought the same way he always fights. He needs to improve his game to reach the top of the middleweight division. His output needs not to change from start to finish. The clean strikes are important. It is the damage aspect of MMA judging that matters. I predict a close fight. iReport.com. For more information on the bout visit the official website.