Calvin Gastelum Injured, Shawn Strickland Steps In To Face Nasourdin Imamov At UFC Vegas 67
Sean Strickland has stepped up on five days’ notice to change Calvin Gastelum against nasourdin imavov January 14 in the UFC Vegas 67 main event.
ESPN first reported the news on Monday and the fight promotion confirmed the development in a press release shortly thereafter.
“Due to injury, Calvin Gastelum has been pulled from his middleweight main event with Nasourdin Imavov. Gastelum will be replaced by UFC veteran Shawn Strickland. As a result, this five-round bout will now take place at light heavyweight,” said the press release. has gone.
A disappointed Gastelum released a statement on social media apologizing to Imavov, the UFC, his team, and the fans.
“I am extremely disappointed to say the least. This is not how I wanted to start 2023,” wrote Gastelum. “I worked hard and overcame a lot of adversity to put in a great performance this weekend. Was ready for. I also apologize to Emmavov, his camp @ufc and all the fans.
I am extremely disappointed to say the least. That’s not the way I wanted to start 2023.
I girded up my gear and battled through a lot of adversity, ready to put on a great show this weekend.
I also apologize to imavov, his camp @ufc and all the fans. #onmission4gold– #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) January 9, 2023
Imavov (12-3) is winning three straight. He last defeated Joaquin Buckley via unanimous decision in September. Strickland (25-5) is coming off back-to-back losses for the first time in his career.
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