Scouting Report: Sean Strickland

Sean Strickland

Born: February 27, 1991 (Age: 32) in New Bern, North Carolina
Division: Middleweight
Height: 6’1”
Reach: 76”
Record: 26-5 (13-5 UFC)
Association: Xtreme Couture
Stage of Career: Prime

Summary: Strickland’s style is a model of simplicity. He defends takedowns well, gets up immediately if he finds his back on the canvas, pushes opponents away when they get into the clinch and beats them with two punches at range: the jab and the right cross. He has mastered those shots to such an extent that even excellent opponents are at times powerless to stop this attack. Strickland defense is solid, too, as is his cardio. He is a smart fighter who forces the opponents into his style of fight and then exploits their mistakes. In terms of other offensive attributes, he sorely lacks kicks, but it should be noted that when he gets on top to finish off a hurt opponent, he wields outstanding ground-and-pound, with tremendous punches into which he swings his whole body.

STRIKING

• Stance: Orthodox.
• Hand Speed: Slightly above average.
• Jab: A highly technical, accurate and hard punch. One of the best in the division.
• Cross: Textbook, perfect, powerful and sudden. A shot that has knocked out numerous opponents.
• Left Hook: Serviceable.
• Overhand Right: Rarely throws it.
• Uppercuts: Decent, but he prefers to push opponents back to range.
• Solitary Striker or Volume Puncher: Hunts the jab, and if he finds an opening, he will throw two or three punches.
• Favorite Combination(s): The one-two, which is a sudden, seamless and powerful combo.
• Leg Kicks: Does not fully step into them, and as a result, they lack power.
• Body Kicks: Rarely throws them.
• Head Kicks: Rarely throws them.
• Chains Kicks to Punches: No.

Strickland’s stand-up is simple and straightforward but tremendously effective because of how thoroughly he has mastered the fundamentals. He has a fantastic jab and throws a devastating right cross behind it. Together, they form one of the best one-twos in all of MMA. Beyond that, his repertoire is surprisingly limited. Strickland rarely throws an overhand right; his left hook is rather pedestrian; and his leg kicks are flawed and lack impact. Even so, mastering the two most basic punches has allowed him to beat many highly regarded opponents. Additionally, he has stout defense with some of the best blocking in MMA, though it is not impervious. He holds his head too high and lacks head movement.

CLINCH

• Physical Strength: Excellent; powerful enough to push guys off of him.
• Technique: Good, with excellent balance; fights well for underhooks.
• Knees: Decent.
• Elbows: Does not throw them.
• Defense Against Knees/Elbows: Blocks exceedingly well.

Strickland seeks to strike at range and is highly effective at doing so thanks to his strength and technique, making sure opponents cannot stay in the clinch and grind for takedowns for long.

GRAPPLING

• Wrestling from a Shot: He used it to disrupt Nassourdine Imavov and surprised him with takedown.
• Wrestling in the Clinch: Avoids doing so, especially since his motorcycle injury.
• Takedown Defense: Anticipates attempts and fights for underhooks expertly. Quite difficult to take down.
• Ability to Return to Feet: Excellent; often pops up immediately.
• Submissions: Does not pursue them at his current level.
• Defense/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from the Bottom: Though somewhat vulnerable to ground-and-pound, he defends against submission attempts very well.
• Top Control: Difficult to tell, as he rarely moves into top position unless an opponent has already been stunned.
• Ground-and-Pound: Exceptional, with absolutely brutal punches into which he swings his body.

Strickland’s grappling is generally defensive in nature, and it is rock-solid in that regard. His takedown defense is excellent, and he can usually pop right back up to his feet when grounded, making it exceptionally difficult to beat him through grappling, even for someone like Jack Hermansson. Opponents who can force him to stay on the bottom have enjoyed some success, though Strickland defends well against submissions. It is not all about defense, though. Strickland used grappling as a surprise weapon against Imavov, as he interrupted his rhythm and managed to take him down once. He also has some of the best ground-and-pound in the entire middleweight division, with monstrous punches into which he throws his weight.

INTANGIBLES

• Athleticism/General Physical Strength: Good; his athleticism has taken a hit due to a severe knee injury suffered in a motorcycle accident, but he has proven to be a big, strong fighter who does not figure to be bullied by anyone.
• Cardio: Slows down in each round but never looks winded and finishes many fights strong.
• Chin: He has only been knocked out rarely, most recently by Alex Pereira’s sensational left hook, but has generally withstood the strikes he has absorbed.
• Recuperative Powers: Does not stay stunned for long.
• Intelligence: Able to establish his gameplan effectively, even against other clever fighters, and gradually keys in on an opponent’s weaknesses.