A future title challenger is set to emerge when top middleweights Sean Strickland and Jack Hermansson lock horns at UFC Fight Night on Saturday, Feb. 5. 

Let's examine their bout, beginning with the latest betting odds.

Strickland is on an impressive streak

On paper, this is a matchup between two well-rounded fighters that mix excellent striking with a respectable ground game. However, Strickland’s recent run since returning from a serious injury has instilled him as the favorite, even though Hermansson has fought better competition with mixed results.

It isn’t as if Strickland isn’t fighting at an elite level. If anything, the strength of his recent performances has him on course for a major fight in the near future. His striking clinics in wins over Brandan Allen, Krzysztof Jotko, and Uriah Hall have been very promising.

If he is able to handle the capable Hermansson in the same manner as those three, he’ll be on the shortlist for the winner of Adesanya/Whittaker II at UFC 271.

Hermansson is trying to restore some momentum

Like Strickland, Hermansson went on an impressive winning streak before he ran into Jared Cannonier. He’s traded a win for a loss ever since, with wins over lower tier fighters like Kelvin Gastelum and Edmen Shahbazyan, and a clear loss to Marvin Vettori.

It does have to be said that Hermansson has been fighting better competition than Strickland, showing a lot of variety in his game despite the setbacks. All Hermansson needs to get back on track is a win against a surging opponent, and he is a live dog here.

Strickland will edge closer to title shot with a win

Strickland getting the edge here stems from the fact that Hermansson hasn’t really looked good since Cannonier blew him up. Hermansson remains the better finisher of the two, and absolutely can end things if he gets Strickland hurt or grounded.

That being said, Strickland is a better striker than Vettori and Shahbazyan. Once Strickland establishes his jab, Hermansson has to land something dramatic at the risk of getting wiped out by Strickland’s activity. We expect this fight to go the distance, and that tilts the odds more in Strickland’s favor.

It’s hard to pick against Strickland here. Expect him to outwork Hermansson for the duration of the bout and come out with a decision win.

UFC Fight Night pick: Strickland