LAS VEGAS—Stepping in on less than one week's notice, Sean Strickland impressed in a five-round decision victory over fellow middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov.
Contested at light heavyweight due to Strickland's short-notice addition—replacing an injured Kelvin Gastelum—the matchup served as the main event of Saturday's UFC Fight Night 217 event at the UFC Apex.
Imavov opened quickly at the start of the bout, pumping out a quick jab and chopping at the legs. Strickland kept his hands high, rolling with the punches and looking to counter with straight shots down the middle, but it was Imavov who was setting the tone by leaping in and out of range and connecting with the heavier punches.