The first UFC main event of 2023 has undergone a last-minute change due to a mouth injury sustained by Gastelum. As a result, Sean Strickland has agreed to step in as a replacement and will face Imavov in a five-round fight at 205 pounds.
This marks the second consecutive UFC event headlined by Strickland, who is coming off of a loss to Jared Cannonier. Despite the defeat, Strickland is a seasoned veteran with a record of 25-5 and will no doubt be looking to bounce back with a win over Imavov.
Imavov, on the other hand, has a record of 12-3 and will be looking to build on his recent victory over Joaquin Buckley. This will be a tough test for both fighters, as they will be moving up a weight class for the bout.
Overall, this is an interesting matchup that has the potential to be a thrilling fight. Both Strickland and Imavov are known for their striking skills, so it could be a stand-up war in the octagon.
The UFC has not yet announced a date or location for this main event, but fans can expect it to be a highlight of the early 2023 calendar. With the stakes high for both fighters, it should be a must-see event for any MMA fan.