TLDR
- Sean Strickland says his title fight with Nassourdine Imavov is nearly finalized, with only pay negotiations remaining
- The fight is expected to headline UFC 335 on December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
- Strickland previously beat Imavov by decision in January 2023
- Imavov has won five straight fights since that loss, including victories over Israel Adesanya and Caio Borralho
- Strickland reclaimed the middleweight title with a split decision win over Khamzat Chimaev in May
Sources: yardbarker.com | mmafighting.com
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland says his expected title defense against Nassourdine Imavov is close to being finalized, with only pay negotiations remaining.
“We’re discussing pay now,” Strickland wrote on social media. “Once that detail is squared, its locked in. The issue is no one cares about the fake Frenchman. We’re almost there.”
The UFC has not officially announced the fight, though UFC 335 on December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is expected to host the matchup. The event currently has no confirmed headliner.
Strickland reclaimed the middleweight title with a split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 in May. The December fight would mark his first defense of this championship reign.
Luis Hernandez says he and Sean Strickland are good after their brawl at Tuff-N-Uff last year, but he’s not so sure about Chris Curtis:
“Me and Sean are good. I don’t know about Chris. He’s coming out of the woodwork. I guess he’s trying to get some fame.
If his name comes down… pic.twitter.com/YZO1ZqZ4r7
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 28, 2026
History Between the Two Fighters
This would not be the first meeting between Strickland and Imavov. Strickland previously defeated Imavov by decision in January 2023, when both fighters were working their way up the middleweight rankings.
Since that loss, Imavov has won five consecutive fights against ranked opponents. His recent victories include a knockout of former champion Israel Adesanya and a win over Caio Borralho in 2025.
Imavov also had a perfect 2024, defeating Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier, and Brendan Allen within seven months. His current record stands at 17-4.
The French fighter’s winning streak earned him a shot at the title. He has become one of the top contenders in the middleweight division.
Strickland’s Path Back to the Title
Strickland’s journey back to championship status came after a brief setback. He lost the UFC title to Dricus Du Plessis in early 2025.
Less than three months before reclaiming the belt, Strickland knocked out Anthony Hernandez to rebound from that title loss. His current record is 31-7.
The 35-year-old champion previously held the middleweight title before losing it to Du Plessis. His upset victory over Chimaev in May shocked many fight fans and analysts.
Strickland won the rematch against Chimaev by split decision, with the judges scoring the fight closely. The victory re-established him as the middleweight champion.
The upcoming fight against Imavov represents Strickland’s chance to defend the title he just won back. He has publicly dismissed Imavov’s drawing power while negotiations continue.
Imavov holds a 17-4 record and has proven himself against top-tier competition. His five-fight winning streak includes victories over some of the division’s best fighters.
The fight is expected to be finalized once both sides agree on financial terms. Strickland indicated the deal is close to completion despite ongoing pay discussions.
UFC 335 takes place on December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event is still awaiting official confirmation of its main event headliner.
