UFC Fight Night Preview: Hermansson vs. Strickland

UFC Vegas 47 features an excellent fight, along with an interesting betting opportunity. This matchup will be between middleweights Jack Hermanson and Sean Strickland.  

Both fighters are aiming to move up in the rankings and have what it takes to impress. Below you will see how this might play out. 

Fight Details

Date: February 5, 2022

Location: UFC APEX, Las Vegas, NV

Main Card on ESPN+ at 7:00 PM

Main Event Breakdown 

Jack Hermanson (22-6-0) enters this fight with a recent decision victory over Edmen Shahbazyan back in May of last year. This got him back on track after losing to Marcin Vettori in the previous battle.  

“The Joker” is best known for his ability to keep opponents on the ground. Even against Vettori, who is a master at takedowns, he was able to hold his own in that regard despite the loss. 

He strikes with accuracy at 45 percent and lands takedowns about 36 percent of the time. He averages 4.86 significant strikes each minute and takes on 3.36. This is a solid ratio for someone that does not typically knock opponents out. 

Hermanson defends against takedowns at 75 percent and has a significant strike defense at 54 percent. He also averages 2.09 takedowns and 0.60 submissions every 15 minutes. 

Sean Strickland (24-3-0) comes into this fight with a five-fight winning streak dating back to 2018. However, 2018 was when he suffered a dangerous motorcycle wreck and almost ended his career. He has looked great since his return in 2020.  

Strickland’s last victory was against Uriah Hall, which was arguably one of his best fights. In that battle, he put up 186 significant strikes and four takedowns with the decision victory. 

He strikes with accuracy at 40 percent and lands takedowns about 61 percent. He delivers 5.45 significant strikes each minute and takes on 3.73. This is a great margin of safety between the two averages. 

Strickland has a takedown defense at 82 percent and a significant strike defense at 65 percent. He also averages 1.32 takedowns and 0.30 submissions every 15 minutes. 

Potential Outcome of Main Event

Strickland looks like a new man since entering the middleweight division. With four straight wins under his belt since 2020, he will be hard to pick against here. 

With his improved striking skills, excellent conditioning, and the ability to keep pressure on his opponents, he will be a force in this one. Not to mention he has a respectable takedown defense that should help against an aggressive Hermanson. 

Hermanson is another fighter that you do not want to face in the middleweight division. If you are a top contender and having a bad day at defending then he will make sure you submit quickly. 

If Hermanson is able to land takedowns early and take control of the pace then he has a good shot to win. However, Strickland will look to remain active and land a ton of strikes. 

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