UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov Results & Review

Sean Strickland defeats Nassourdine Imavov via Unanimous Decision

Time and time again, Sean Strickland forces his opponents to fight his fight. High output, high pressure boxing is the game and Sean plays it better than anyone. Nassourdine competed well enough to land more than a few of his own significant strikes, but the American led the dance for the entire fight. Although Imavov had much success on the feet, with cracking and crunching overhands and hooks that would have put most men down and out, Sean just kept storming forward and displayed a good old fashioned, US style ass-beating.

The numbers skewed slightly in the favour of the Frenchman for the first 2 rounds, however it was octagon control and pressure that put the no.7 ranked Middleweight in front, aesthetically. Sean Strickland absorbed some damage, but maintained control throughout the fight. This was the eventual conclusion that earned him the unanimous decision. The implications of this fight will likely be unchanged, given its short notice nature. In his post fight interview, Sean had a word about the judging in his last fight against Jared Cannonier as he still strongly believed, he deserved the nod. He also gave his condolences to the late Stephan Bonar and other retired UFC vets.     

Dan Ige defeats Damon Jackson in Round 2 via KO (Punch)

Known for his blood bath fighting style, Dan Ige has had no shortage of high level bouts and wasn't keen on lose his ranking. Ige put out an early hunt on Jackson, testing out power shots tentatively. 

A patient but hard hitting game plan led to an eventual left hook from hell which is the kind of finish that earned Dan Ige the name '50k'. Dan folded his opponent like a cheap chair for a picture perfect walk off finish! Ige announced a touching post fight interview about suffering from depression after 2 years without a win and trying to be a good role model for his son.

Roman Kopylov defeats Punahele Soriano in Round 2 via TKO (Body Kick and Punches)

A close battle in the first round between Soriano and Kopylov, both men proving to be well educated strikers. By the second round, the fight had opened up and Kopylov was able to select his shots more definitively. 

Roman eventually brought the fight to a close with a couple of debilitating body kicks and punches to finish. Unfortunately for Punahele, his toughness could only last so long, but Kopylov now sits on 10 wins, 9 by KO. 

Raquel Pennington defeats Ketlen Vieira via Split Decision 

A close hard fought fight for these ladies. Both girls pack loads of power and were willing to box for the majority of the fight. Raquel extends her win streak to 5 as she re-enters the top 5! 

Pennington is eyeing a Bantamweight title shot this year as she dethrones No.2. Raquel is also expecting a baby girl with fellow UFC fighter Tecia Torres, so there is now more reason to celebrate.

Umar Nurmagomedov defeats Raoni Barcelos in Round 1 via KO (Punch)

Umar Nurmagomedov switched stances frequently, utilising the front teep kick and jab effectively, as normal. Although not much was needed before a missed Nurmagomedov knee led to an improvised short inside left hook straight to the chin of Barcelos, putting him completely out! 

The 'Young Eagle' extends his record to 16-0 and questioned why the Bantamweight division aren't mentioning his name. I think he just gave them the perfect reason not to. The Dagestani should see a ranked opponent in his next fight.

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A great start to the year for some, but back to the drawing board for others. A night of purely violent KO's and bloody scraps remind us to stay in on a Saturday night and why the UFC are the leaders in sports entertainment. 

Comment down below on future matchups for the fighters that competed tonight and what you thought of the performances and the event as a whole!