The UFC 335 main event is already set, but the middleweight title picture is still up in the air. Sean Strickland was previously expected to make his first defense of the 185-pound championship against Nassourdine Imavov at the December 12 event. However, with the fight yet to be finalized, Strickland appeared to hint that money and ongoing negotiations with the UFC were behind the delay.
A fan recently asked the champion on Instagram about reports that he was looking for a bigger payday for the matchup. Strickland’s response was short but telling: “bingo lol.” He did not reveal anything else, although he had already confirmed that he was negotiating with the promotion over his next fight.
Strickland is coming off the biggest payday of his career from his title fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328. While the financial dispute is expected to be sorted out, the Imavov matchup now appears more likely to happen in the first quarter of 2027 rather than at UFC 335.
As fans wait to see whether the fight gets finalized, former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has already offered his prediction for a potential Strickland vs. Imavov showdown.
Dricus Du Plessis Predicts Sean Strickland to Repeat UFC Fight Night 217 Win Over Nassourdine Imavov
For the unversed, Du Plessis and Strickland have shared the Octagon twice, with both fights coming with the 185-pound title on the line. DDP won their first meeting at UFC 297 in January 2024, edging Strickland in a razor-close decision to become the new middleweight champion.
The South African then dominated their rematch at UFC 312 nearly a year later. Despite their history, “Stillknocks” is backing Strickland to get the better of Imavov, just as he did when the American and Frenchman first met.
Strickland and Imavov initially fought at UFC Fight Night 217 on January 14, 2023. Strickland took the bout on short notice at 205 pounds and won a clear unanimous decision, with the judges scoring it 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.
In a recent interview with Fight Forecast, DDP said, “I honestly believe we’re going to look at the same result as the first one. I think Strickland’s going to go and walk forward.”
He added, “Imavov has the style of kind of hitting, running, hitting, and running, and he does a great job at that; he doesn’t get taken into a firefight. But Strickland, if he goes forward, that pressure is just going to always be such that you can’t let that guy go forward.”
According to Du Plessis, Imavov’s style has plenty of similarities to Israel Adesanya’s. Considering Strickland already figured out Adesanya when he stunned the MMA world with his title-winning performance at UFC 293, DDP believes the American could once again have the right blueprint.
Dricus Du Plessis says we’ll see the same result again if Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov fight.
Via @FForecastShow https://t.co/STGMjQ8Jy0
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 6, 2026
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Du Plessis explained, “Imavov’s style is very similar to Adesanya’s style. Strickland has proven that he has the antidote to that style. Pressuring, pressuring, and his defence is so good. So even if he goes forward, he doesn’t get clipped with those shots because he keeps it safe, because he prioritises the defence. So I honestly believe we’re going to hear ‘and still’.”
Strickland’s trademark Philly shell defense, relentless forward pressure and constant use of teeps and punches have become the foundation of his style. They have also helped him pull off some of the biggest upsets of his career, including his victories over Adesanya and Chimaev.
Interestingly, Du Plessis also predicted back in March 2026 that Strickland could give Chimaev serious problems. That makes his latest take even more interesting if Imavov eventually becomes the champion’s next challenger.
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For now, the fight still needs to be finalized. But if Strickland and Imavov do meet for the middleweight title, Du Plessis clearly believes the champion’s pressure, defense, and ability to dictate the pace could once again be the difference.
Kshitiz Kumar Singh is a UFC Writer at NY Fights with over three years of experience in sports journalism and content creation. Known for his sharp storytelling and passion for combat sports, he has written in-depth features on stars like Brock Lesnar, Randy Couture, and Ilia Topuria. Before joining NY Fights, Kshitiz worked as a UFC Editor at EssentiallySports while currently serving as a WWE Editor at FirstSportz. His admiration for legends like Georges St-Pierre continues to inspire his detailed and engaging MMA coverage. Whether he’s covering the Octagon or the squared circle, Kshitiz is committed to delivering accurate, high-quality content. Outside the world of sports, he’s a dedicated cinephile, often found practicing monologues from his favorite Al Pacino films, combining his love for cinema with storytelling.
