LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 13: (L-R) Opponents Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov of Russia face off during the UFC weigh-in at UFC APEX on January 13, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) | Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Jesse Holland Wed, October 28, 2026 at 3:13 PM UTC · 2 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is expected to defend his 185-pound title against No. 3-ranked title contender Nassourdine Imavov in early 2027.
I guess Khamzat Chimaev was too busy beating up grandpas on the RAF circuit.
"It's going to be Imavov next I heard, it may even be signed or close to being signed for February somewhere in Florida," MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn said on his official podcast .
Strickland has not competed since upsetting Chimaev at UFC 328 back in May , thanks in part to a shoulder injury that kept "Tarzan" on the shelf for several months. There's also the matter of his ongoing pay dispute with UFC which may not be resolved until after the Imavov fight.
"Just from what Dana [White] says and what [Strickland] has said, he signed a 10-fight contract and he's on fight number two," former UFC middleweight Derek Brunson told Bloody Elbow . "I mean, why would you sign a 10-fight contract? You probably didn't think you were going to win, you probably were looking for stability and you actually won and now you want something different? I've got to kind of be on Dana's side on this one. I'm always for the fighters but maybe don't sign a 10-fight contract when it's offered because you've got a tough fight on the table. Bet on yourself."
Strickland (31-7) previously defeated Imavov (17-4, 1 NC) at UFC Vegas 67 back in early 2023 .
Source: Sports
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