MMA Preview – Jared Cannonier vs Sean Strickland at UFC Vegas 66
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JARED CANNONIER VS SEAN STRICKLAND FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 216? Saturday 17th December, 2022 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 216? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 216? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 216 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 216? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
JARED CANNONIER VS SEAN STRICKLAND LOWDOWN
Jared Cannonier (15-6) returns after his unsuccessful title attempt back in July. He was coming off two big-name wins over Kelvin Gastelum (2021) who he outclassed on his way to a unanimous decision and Derek Brunson (2022) who he buried with elbows to earn the ‘Performance of the Night’. That earnt him a shot at Israel Adesanya who’s wizardry froze Cannonier for five rounds losing a unanimous decision.
Sean Strickland (25-4) was also riding his way to a title shot on a six-fight win streak. He was unbeaten at middleweight and was coming off a TKO over Brendan Allen (2020) and decisions over Krzysztof Jotko (2021), Uriah Hall (2021) and Jack Hermansson (2022). They earnt him a number one contender fight with Alex Pereira back in July who became another victim getting knocked out in the first round which must have hurt slightly less after watching the Brazilian go on to knock out Adesanya to become the middleweight champion.
JARED CANNONIER VS SEAN STRICKLAND PREDICTION
This is a fascinating striking contest to close out the year. They are both elite strikers with contrasting skill sets. Strickland is all about volume and will relentlessly walk his opponents down enforcing a suffocating pressure. Cannonier on the other hand is very patient and wait for openings to throw unholy power.
Strickland’s fight with Pereira must have been a real eye opener. He was obviously not on the Brazilian’s level in terms of skill and power so was expected to incorporate his wrestling. He said that was part of the strategy but he got starched before enforcing anything.
Cannonier carries a similar threat, so Strickland may actually try and wrestle this time especially if he get starts to get tagged. However, Cannonier’s takedown defence is very strong and we expect Strickland to try to walk him down which will play right into The Killa Gorilla’s hands.
Cannonier will begin by chopping Strickland’s legs down which will be an easy target. He will also welcome him to walk into range knowing his chin will be high. Cannonier is not as big as Pereira and not on his level but he will try and set the same traps by attacking the body and legs to lower Strickland’s hands.
We can see why Strickland is the favourite. If Cannonier starts slow, Strickland can bag a couple rounds landing his jab at will and he has the cardio to up the volume and win a decision.
However, this is a good stylistic match-up for Cannonier and the power advantage will be evident here. Expect him to slow Strickland down with legs kicks and eventually find the chin.
Prediction: Cannonier via KO/TKO - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Cannonier via KO/TKO
