Las Vegas, NV – New year same MMA as the first main event of 2023 fell through when Kelvin Gastelum withdrew from his main event bout at UFC Vegas 67 against Nassourdine Imavov due to injury.
First reported by ESPN.
Gastelum reportedly suffered a mouth injury that took him out of the fight.
I’m extremely disappointed to say the least. This not how I wanted to start 2023.
I worked my ass off & battled through a lot of adversary and was ready to put on a hell of a show this weekend.
I apologize to Imavov, his camp as well as @ufc and all the fans. #OnAmission4Gold— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) January 9, 2023
Lucky for us middleweight Sean Strickland is always game for a fight. He steps in against Imavov on short notice. The fight will be contested at 205-pounds, and will be a five round main event.
First UFC main event of 2023 has underwent a last minute change. Gastelum out with a mouth injury, Sean Strickland has agreed to replace him against Imavov. Five rounds, but now 205 pounds per UFC officials. This is now back to back UFC events headlined by Strickland. pic.twitter.com/ivg7VXl0qT
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) January 9, 2023
Imavov (12-3) is currently riding a three-fight win streak with victories over Joaquin Buckley, Ian Heinisch and Edmen Shahbazyan. The #12 ranked middleweight looks to continue the streak and break into the top 10.
Strickland (25-5) will headline his second consecutive event after ending 2022 at the UFC APEX against Jared Cannonier. He lost the bout via decision.
