This Saturday, Jack Hermansson takes on Sean Strickland in a five-round main event in the middleweight division. You can expect fireworks in this main event with these types of fighters. Both fighters are ranked and are currently trying to get closer to a shot at the champion Israel Adesanya. These fighters are entirely different in their approach. Hermansson has a Greco-Roman wrestling base that uses Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to complement it and lead him to victories.
On the other hand, Strickland is a straight-up gunslinger who likes to use his boxing to create pressure and stay in the pocket until someone falls. Even from the outside looking in, people might think due to Stricklands gunslinger’s ways that Hermansson can capitalize with his wrestling; however, Strickland is a brown belt in BJJ which will help him in the grappling aspect.
I believe if Hermansson is going to use his wrestling effectively, it will be against the cage, not allowing Strickland to throw any strikes, and make the fight very tiring. If Hermansson can do that and keep his opponent up against the cage, I believe that will leave openings for takedowns and submissions. One thing about Hermansson that Strickland needs to worry about is his slick submissions that he can pull off insanely quick, like his heel hook against Kelvin Gastelum. Even though they are both highly credentialed on the ground, I think Hermansson is more smooth in his submission approach, making him very dangerous. I do not believe he wants to have a straight-up brawl and go punch for punch because that’s where Strickland shines. Since it’s a five-round fight, I can see Strickland starting early with the pressure and throwing an insane amount of strikes. If Strickland can keep away from the fence and keep meeting Hermansson in the middle of the octagon, it will allow him to maintain pressure and pace that will make it uncomfortable for Hermansson. I believe single leg, double leg, or body lock takedowns will only be effective against the cage and not the middle of the octagon against Strickland since he’s probably been preparing for them. Also, Strickland trains with Marvin Vettori, who beat Hemansson, which perhaps gives Strickland a lot of confidence going into this fight. Both fighters have a lot to gain in this fight, making the winner get very close to a title shot, and if any individual can put together a spectacular finish or win with ease, they might be able to skip the line and be next.
Looking forward to new title contenders for the middleweight division, and this fight will prove who deserves to be at the top.
BIASMMA 