Luke Barnatt

Luke Barnatt vs. Sean Strickland

Round 1
Barnatt takes the center of the cage and pumps his jab while periodically throwing low kicks and body kicks. Nothing substantial lands for the first two minutes as Strickland dances on the outside, checking his kicks. Strickland parries a jab and lands a hard outside low kick. A very cautious pace from the tall middleweights. Strickland is working his jab now but can't actually hit Barnatt, while Barnatt can't actually hit Strickland with his kicks. It's the definition of a “feeling out round.” Lukewarm leg kicks from Strickland touch the thigh of Barnatt. Strickland finallys touches Barnatt with two right hands and Barnatt lands one of his own.

Sherdog Scores
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-10
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Barnatt
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Barnatt

Round 2
Barnatt is more aggressive to begin the second, closing the distance, sitting down on his jab. He lands a one-two behind his jab, but Strickland clinches and trips him to the mat. Strickland punches right through Barnatt's massive legs upkicking at him. However, Barnatt's freakish leg length comes into play moments later, as he leg presses Strickland off of him and pushes him nearly four feet away, easily giving him time to get back to his feet. Barnatt still not landing hard kicks, but he is more active now, and throwing hands. Strickland's hand-parrying techniques are tying Barnatt up, but Strickland can't land shots of his own. With two minutes to go, the Californian brings his jab out again and pops “Bigslow” a few times. The Brit responds in kind with a right cross. Barnatt feints and sets Strickland up for another overhand right which lands firm. Strickland shoots for a takedown but is denied. Another right for Barnatt on the perpetually-circling Strickland.

Sherdog Scores
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Barnatt
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Barnatt
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Barnatt

Round 3
Barnatt is in command now, jabbing diligently while Strickland circles away without flashing much offense beyond perfunctory jabs. Barnatt circles and can't quite cut Strickland off, so the dance of death goes on for three minutes. Finally, Barnatt cuts Strickland off with a right hand and is able to land some knees in the clinch. Strickland looks for a takedown and nearly ends up taking the back. He slips down, but winds up latching onto one of Barnatt's spindly legs in pursuit of a leglock. Barnatt frees himself and slides up the fence with a minute to go in the fight. Another Barnatt right lands on a retreating Sean Strickland, who continues to move away, jabbing and pecking at the Brit.

Sherdog Scores
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Barnatt (30-28 Barnatt)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Barnatt (30-27 Barnatt)
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Barnatt (30-27 Barnatt)

The Official Result
Sean Strickland def. Luke Barnatt via Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00