UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is finally closing in on his first official title defense.
“Tarzan” captured the 185-pound gold back in May after pulling off a gritty split-decision upset over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328. However, a lingering shoulder injury sustained during that fight, including endless social media drama and rematch demands from Chimaev, put the division on ice for months.
Now, the champion has finally broken his silence. On Sunday, he gave fans a major update, dropping a massive hint about his first official title defense and revealing the one final hurdle holding up the fight.
Sean Strickland Reveals Final Obstacle for Nassourdine Imavov Rematch
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland says pay is the only issue left before his first title defense against Nassourdine Imavov becomes official. The UFC has not announced the fight, which is heavily linked to UFC 335 on Dec. 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Imavov, 31, is the No. 3 contender at 185 pounds and has waited for a booking amid a logjam at the top of the division.
However, UFC 335 remains the only major numbered pay-per-view card left this year without an officially announced main event. When a fan asked whether Strickland would fight Imavov next, the champion replied that both sides are currently negotiating pay and are incredibly close to a deal, writing, “We’re discussing pay now. Once that detail is squared its locked in. The issue is no one cares about the fake Frenchman. We’re almost there.”
We’re discussing pay now. Once that detail is squared its locked in. The issue is no one cares about the fake Frenchman. We’re almost there 👊 #JesuisCharlie https://t.co/s7Bq48W9Pb
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) September 27, 2026
The fight is a rematch of their 2023 bout, which Strickland won by decision. Strickland originally won the middleweight title in 2023 from Israel Adesanya before losing it to Dricus du Plessis. While the division waited for his return, his training camp hit a roadblock recently after Strickland crashed an off-road vehicle in Las Vegas, rolling the UTV at 60 mph.
ALSO READ: Khamzat Chimaev Seemingly Moves Past Sean Strickland Rematch to Eye New Middleweight Rival
He hit his head on the concrete without a helmet and admitted he was slightly concussed. However, he returned to the gym to spar the next day and posted a video with the caption: “What we see when were scrapping…. Sparring with a concussion makes you extra safe. Thanks for the work.”
Nassourdine Imavov Enters Title Bout on 5-Fight Win Streak
Imavov has won five fights in a row, including a knockout of Israel Adesanya and a decision win over Caio Borralho on September 6, 2025. He hasn’t fought since then. Chimaev has asked for a rematch with Strickland, but he said he would face the winner of Strickland vs. Imavov first. Imavov made it clear in July that he only wants a title shot next, telling reporter Jaiden Cable that he was 100% fighting for the belt after the Strickland-Chimaev fight.
The UFC has already filled up the rest of its fall schedule. Alexander Volkanovski defends his featherweight title against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 on October 24. Then, Ciryl Gane defends his heavyweight belt against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden. Signing the Strickland vs. Imavov deal would finally give UFC 335 a main event title fight for its last big card of 2026.
