UFC Middleweight Champ Sean Strickland Says Next Fight Is Close to Being Finalized

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland (31-7) says a December title fight vs Number 3-ranked Nassourdine Imavov (17-4) is almost set, with just one final detail to be ironed out — money.

“We’re discussing pay now,” Strickland said recently. “Once that detail is squared it’s locked in. The issue is no one cares about the fake Frenchman. We’re almost there.”

Strickland regained the middleweight championship on May 9 at UFC 328, beating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision. A December bout would be his first title defense of his second reign.

Strickland previously met Imavov in January 2023, when the American won by unanimous decision. Imavov, who is Russian-born and competes out of France, has since won five straight fights against ranked opponents, including a second-round knockout of former champion Israel Adesanya in February 2025 and a win over Caio Borralho in September of that year.

The UFC has yet to announce the fight. UFC 335 takes place December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with no headliner officially confirmed.