TLDR
- Khamzat Chimaev offered Sean Strickland $1 million to fight him instead of facing Nassourdine Imavov
- Strickland’s UFC 336 bout is stuck in negotiations over his $1 million pay demand
- Imavov previously offered Strickland $500,000 from his own pocket for the January 16 fight
- Chimaev lost his middleweight title to Strickland earlier this year and wants a rematch
- Chimaev is competing in wrestling events while waiting for his UFC return
Sources: yardbarker.com
Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has offered Sean Strickland $1 million to fight him instead of facing Nassourdine Imavov at UFC 336. The offer came after Strickland revealed his next fight is delayed due to a payment dispute with the UFC.
“Strickland, I will pay you one. Send me location and let’s fight. Don’t care outside inside the cage,” Chimaev wrote on X on October 5.
Khamzat Chimaev brings a huge smile to a young fan’s face ❤️
Via: Adamantil.aas pic.twitter.com/QGMiGiMyCv
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 5, 2026
Strickland is reportedly demanding $1 million to fight Imavov at UFC 336 on January 16. Contract negotiations between the 35-year-old champion and the UFC have stalled over the payment terms.
Imavov had already made his own financial offer to Strickland. The French-Dagestani fighter pledged $500,000 from his personal funds if Strickland agreed to face him in January.
Chimaev Seeks Title Rematch
Chimaev, 32, lost his middleweight title to Strickland earlier this year. He has been calling for a rematch since losing the belt.
The former champion previously acknowledged Imavov’s position as the rightful contender. “There’s no surprise. How long has Imavov been waiting now? He’s already the contender. Whoever wins, we’ll take him,” Chimaev said.
Chimaev has a history of making cash offers to secure fights. In April, he offered $200,000 to any Olympic gold medalist who could survive a sparring session with him in MMA.
Strickland and Imavov fought once before in 2023. Strickland won that bout by unanimous decision.
Imavov has won five straight fights since that loss. His recent victories include wins over Israel Adesanya and Caio Borralho.
Former Champion Stays Active Outside UFC
Chimaev is not waiting idle for the UFC to resolve the Strickland situation. He has competed in three wrestling matches since his last UFC appearance, winning all three bouts.
The 32-year-old is scheduled to face Colby Covington at RAF Abu Dhabi on November 14. The event takes place the same day as UFC 334, with the RAF Crossover title on the line.
Before the Covington match, Chimaev will wrestle UFC veteran Robbie Lawler at RAF 14. That event will be headlined by Arman Tsarukyan versus Dillon Danis.
Chimaev has used the time away from the UFC to recover from lingering injuries. He has stayed in competition shape through his wrestling appearances.
The money dispute between Strickland and the UFC remains unresolved. Both Chimaev and Imavov are waiting to see if Strickland will accept either of their offers or if he will reach an agreement with the promotion for UFC 336.
