This past Saturday at UFC Vegas 47, we saw a pivotal headliner in the middleweight division. Surging top contender and personality Sean Strickland (25-3) had his toughest test to date as he took on “The Joker” Jack Hermansson (22-7).
For both men, the path to victory was clear at UFC Vegas 47. Strickland needed to keep the fight on the feet while Hermansson needed to get things to the ground. Well, Hermansson wasn’t able to get the fight to the ground once.
That said, he did surprise me a bit with his striking and was able to win some rounds. However, the story of UFC Vegas 47 was still the sleek striking and good striking defense of Sean Strickland. Strickland controlled the fight with his stiff jab.
Now, he didn’t get super aggressive which he admitted after the fight. Strickland admitted that the situation and the moment got to him which forced him to fight a bit more tentative than usual. He was very critical of his own performance at UFC Vegas 47.
That said, he still controlled the fight and I thought he won a clear decision. However, one judge somehow scored the fight for Hermansson which shocked everyone. But, the right man still won at the end of the day and Strickland got his hand raised.
What’s next after UFC Vegas 47?
After his motorcycle accident and his move to middleweight, Sean Strickland has been perfect. He’s a perfect 5-0 and now has two headlining wins under his belt with wins over Uriah Hall and this past Saturday with Jack Hermansson.
With his fifth straight victory at 185 secured, what’s next for Sean Strickland. Well, the UFC does have a few options for the entertaining Strickland. If you’re wanting the fight that makes the most sense, it’s a matchup with Marvin Vettori (18-4-1).
However, Strickland and Vettori are good friends and Strickland made it clear that he doesn’t want to fight Vettori next. With that, there are a couple of additional options that will have us looking forward to UFC 271 this upcoming weekend.
There are two big matchups at 185 this weekend. Obviously the title fight with Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker. However, you also have a potential title eliminator between Jared Cannonier and Derek Brunson.
How these fights play out could impact Strickland. If Adesanya wins, he will likely face the winner of Brunson – Cannonier. With that, the UFC could pair Strickland with Robert Whittaker. However, if Whittaker wins, I wouldn’t rule out an immediate rematch to do the trilogy with Whittaker and Adesanya.
If that were to happen, Strickland could fight the Cannonier – Brunson winner. There is a lot up in the air, but rest assured, Sean Strickland will be watching UFC 271.