Sean Strickland Title Defense Reportedly Targeted For December

Reports suggest Sean Strickland (31-7) will make the first defense of his second reign as UFC middleweight champion in December.

Strickland first won the belt when he defeated Israel Adesanya by unanimous decision in September 2023, but lost it to Dricus du Plessis by split decision in January 2024. He challenged du Plessis for the title again in February 2025 but lost by decision.

Strickland reclaimed the championship at UFC 328 on May 9, defeating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision.

At UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas, Strickland is reportedly targeted to face No. 3-ranked middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov (17-4).

The Russian-born fighter, who competes out of France, has won five straight fights, defeating Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier, Brendan Allen, Israel Adesanya and Caio Borralho.

Following UFC 328, Strickland spoke about his preference for defending against the division’s highest-ranked contenders.

Though Strickland is a two-time champion, he has yet to make a successful UFC title defense.

He has fought Imavov once before, defeating him by unanimous decision in January 2023 in a light heavyweight bout.