UFC Vegas 47 is in the books and Sean Strickland expanded his winning streak to six with a split-decision victory against Jack Hermansson in the main event.
The fight took place in the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Early on, the fight started with Hermansson utilizing heavy leg kicks. In response, Strickland implemented his sharp jab. While Hermansson attempted an early takedown, he quickly shut it down.
The fight was close, but Strickland would drop “The Joker” later into the bout which might have been what swayed the judges once the decision was read. Before UFC Vegas 47, many fans were under the impression that if Hermansson could lock up Strickland in a grappling scramble, it would be his best shot at victory. However, the long jab of Strickland certainly put those plans on the backburner once the fight began its progression.
Prior to Hermansson’s decision loss to “Tarzan” he managed to earn a hard-fought victory against fellow middleweight Edmen Shahbazyan. The fight would end in a decision victory for Hermansson. Along his path at 185-pounds, Hermansson has fought some talented competition.
In 2020, Hermansson was tasked with facing back-to-back middleweight title challengers. First, Hermansson quickly dispatched Kelvin Gastelum in the first round of their contest. Following the submission victory against Gastelum in 2020, many fans were starting to call for Hermansson to get a title shot. However, he would drop a decision loss to former title challenger Marvin Vettori next. As it stands, Hermansson’s title hopes are put on ice for now as the streaking Sean Strickland is on the precipice of a big fight very soon.
With a six-fight winning streak intact, Strickland has put himself in title contention or very close to a shot at gold. UFC 271: Adesanya vs. Whittaker 2 is just a week away, and this 185-pound showdown was the perfect appetizer for a title fight of such magnitude. Having dominated names like Brendan Allen, Krzysztof Jotko, and Uriah Hall, it’s clear Strickland is here to stay at the top of the middleweight mountain. With one of the biggest winning streaks in the division, it seems the pressure of his stand-up style is giving his peers trouble.
With his most recent win against “The Joker”, Strickland is sitting pretty with UFC 271 around the corner. Either way, his performance at UFC Vegas 47 demonstrated how deep the talent at 185-pounds really is.
Fighters React to UFC Vegas 47: Strickland vs. Hermansson
This should be a fun one! I’m predicting a lot talking and a lot of face-punching! #UFCVegas47
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) February 6, 2022
Way too conservative for my liking…I need SS to go full Chainsaw Massacre the last minute at least #UFCVegas47
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) February 6, 2022
Strickland has made Hermanson look like an amateur, that’s how much he’s strategically picked him a part. He should move in and knock him out tho #UFCVegas47
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) February 6, 2022
Strickland had a sneaky way of fighting using not much energy and making you go at his pace. He also sees everything with great vision and reactions defensively
— Brian BOOM Kelleher (@brianboom135) February 6, 2022
Great win for @SStricklandMMA the man is crazy and just dont give a fook 😂
— Boston Salmon (@bostonboomboom) February 6, 2022
The one-of-a-kind @SStricklandMMA signs off 🤣 #UFCVegas47 pic.twitter.com/7tZASPN42q
— UFC (@ufc) February 6, 2022
