Twitter Reacts To Sean Strickland's Last Minute Win Over Nassourdine Imavov At UFC Fight Night 217

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Jan 14, 2023 9:53pm ET

Sean Strickland got back on track on Saturday when he briefly defeated Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Fight Night 217.

Strickland (25-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC) stepped in to replace Kelvin Gastelum for the first Octagon headliner of the year just five days before the event. It proved to be a solid choice as he slipped in two fights with a unanimous decision win over Imavov (12-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) in their light heavyweight bout at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Below are the top Twitter reactions to Strickland’s win over Imavov at UFC Fight Night 217.

* * * *

Teddy Atlas

Imavov-Strickland, since he’s not in top form, Strickland can bust early or try to control the distance and slow the pace. #UFCVegas67 #UFC
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) January 15, 2023

Bloody elbow

Low kick for Imavov opens the fight. Strickland puts the pressure on and lands a hard 1-2. Jab from Strickland. Imavov lands a big overhand right and a left hook. #UFCVegas67
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) January 15, 2023

Luke Thomas

That right hook from Strickland is money so far. Imavov does not roll under, but in.
– Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) January 15, 2023

Sean Shehan

Very close round. Maybe lean Strickland due to the way Imavov reacted to the shots. Very difficult to choose. #UFCVegas67
— Sean Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) January 15, 2023

Brad Tavares

Close round but Sean was starting to find his reach and land good shots. 10-9 Strickland #UFCVegas67
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) January 15, 2023

Belal Muhammad

Imavav needs to be more patient and stop getting wild
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 15, 2023

Aaron Bronster

I’m 19-19 and going into round three after a tight round. Better round for Imavov.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) January 15, 2023

Kelvin Gastelum

As we predicted in my camp, Imavov later fades in later rounds. And we wanted to use conditioning as a weapon. #UFCVegas67
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) January 15, 2023

Luke Thomas

Round 3 seems to be Strickland’s clearest winning round. The other two are close are hard to name. Imavov has inspiration spurts, but Strickland’s pace and defense won the final round.
– Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) January 15, 2023

Brad Tavares

30-27 Strickland! Not bad for 3 days ahead… Championship rounds to come #UFCVegas67
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) January 15, 2023

John Morgan

lol Chris Curtis feels in the corner and talks directly to Ciryl Gane between rounds. #UFCVegas67
—John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) January 15, 2023

Jed Meshev II

This fight is over. Imavov can’t be smart and his trainers don’t yell at him to make him pull his head out of his ass. Strickland cruising to a decision on the route.
— Jed Meshew II (@JedKMeshew) January 15, 2023

Hyon Ko

Strickland cruises and is big. Imavov has to fight for a finish on the last lap. #UFCVegas67
— Hyon Ko (@JHKMMA) January 15, 2023

Bloody elbow

Imavov’s corner tells him he needs the KO or he loses. #UFCVegas67
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) January 15, 2023

Belal Muhammad

If Imavov were to throw a spinning heel kick to the head, it would land wide open
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 15, 2023

Teddy Atlas

That shows how important experience is and who sets the pace doesn’t get tired. #UFCVegas67 #UFC
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) January 15, 2023

Shakiel Mahjouri

Sean Strickland pays a beautiful tribute to Stephan Bonnar and reminds fans to take care of the fighters when they retire #UFCVegas67
— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) January 15, 2023