5 UFC middleweight fights to look forward to

#4. Kevlin Gastelum vs. Nassourdine Imavov - UFC 273

Gastelum (pictured) and Imavov have a combined record of 27-11 (1 NC)

Kelvin Gastelum is a UFC veteran at this point in his career despite only being 30 years old. His opponent, the 25-year-old Nassourdine Imavov is much more of a newcomer but has managed to get himself into the rankings after just four fights with the promotion.

Gastelum has lost five of his last six fights and is in need of a big win to get his career back on track. With that being said, these losses have all come against the elite of the division and Imavov is yet to be tested at that level.

Imavov trains at the MMA factory in France, the same gym where Ciryl Gane fights out of. While he is early on in his career, his most recent win over Edmen Shahbazyan has many tipping him for big things.

These two exciting ranked fighters compete at UFC 273 and the winner will set themselves up for some big fights later in 2022.

---

#3. Jack Hermansson vs. Sean Strickland - UFC fight night 200

Hermansson (pictured) and Strickland have a combined record of 46-9

On February 5, the middleweight co-main event will be followed by another 185 lbs in the main event. This fight, pitting the no.6 against the no.7 in the division, is an important one at middleweight and is also sure to be an exciting clash of styles.

Jack Hermansson is known for his grappling prowess, with three of his last five victories coming via submission. Sean Strickland is more of a brawler and while he may be newer to the top ten rankings, he has more momentum as he is currently riding a five-fight winning streak.

The fight will provide a big test for Strickland, but should he win, he will begin to enter the title conversation. If it goes the other way, Hermansson will begin to put together a bit of a role and will likely earn a big name in his next bout.