UFC Vegas 67: Nassorudine Imavov is ‘pumped up’ to face Sean Strickland on short notice (Video)

Nassourdine Imavov looks to kick off the new year with another victory at UFC Vegas 67

UFC action is back for 2023 with the first fight card of the new year. UFC Vegas 67 experienced a shake-up in the main event, but Nassourdine Imavov is now set to face off against Sean Strickland, who is headlining his second UFC card in a row. The fight will be contested at 205 pounds, due to the short notice change. But despite the light heavyweight billing, this main event has implications early in the year as both men are looking to make a push up the rankings before the next 12 months are over.

“I was a little bit sad when I got notice that Gastelum was out,” Imavov said through a translator during the UFC 67 media day. “I am very grateful for this. I will be ranked higher than I am if I win.”

At the start of his 2023 campaign, Imavov is sitting at the No. 12 position in the UFC top 15 rankings for middleweight. With a new champion at the top of the division, kicking off the year with a highlight-reel victory is a great start to push into contendership.

“I will do what I am used to doing on Saturday,” Imavov said. “I heard that he already spoke to you guys, so I’m pumped and ready to go.”

Heading into the fight with Strickland, Imavov is bringing the momentum of three straight wins, and victories in four of his five Octagon appearances. That resume includes wins over Jordan Williams, Ian Heinisch, Edmen Shahbazyan, and Joaquin Buckley. That victory over Buckley came in September and was his last appearance before UFC Vegas 67.

Sean Strickland attempts to rebound after suffering a defeat in December

Strickland is stepping in on late notice to replace Kelvin Gastelum who was forced out of the fight due to injury. Strickland competed back in December, dropping a split decision to Jared Cannonier. Before that, he was stopped by the new 185-pound champion, Alex Pereira in less than three minutes. Overall, Strickland brings a 25-5 professional record into the Octagon.

UFC Vegas 67 takes place on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2022, live from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all your news and highlights.