UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland prepares to defend his title against contender Nassourdine Imavov in early 2027.
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is expected to defend his 185-pound title against No. 3-ranked contender Nassourdine Imavov in early 2027, according to information published by mmamania.
The high-stakes rematch is reportedly targeted for a future UFC card taking place in February somewhere in Florida. MMA analyst Mike Bohn revealed on his official podcast that the bout may already be signed or close to being finalized.
Strickland has not stepped into the Octagon since upsetting Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 back in May, dealing with a shoulder injury that kept the champion sidelined for several months alongside ongoing contractual discussions.
Sean Strickland Injury and Contract Dispute
Strickland has been dealing with both physical recovery and business hurdles, including an ongoing pay dispute with the UFC that may persist past his upcoming title defense against Imavov.
Former UFC middleweight Derek Brunson noted that Strickland signed a lengthy 10-fight contract and is currently only on fight number two, questioning the decision to sign such a deal when seeking long-term financial flexibility.
Despite the administrative hurdles, the champion is moving forward toward his next major test inside the cage, facing a top-tier contender who previously attempted to secure a title shot with a hefty financial wager.
History Between Strickland and Imavov
The upcoming championship bout serves as a rematch of their previous encounter at UFC Vegas 67 back in early 2023, where Sean Strickland secured a victory over Nassourdine Imavov.
Strickland holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 31-7, while Imavov enters the title picture holding a record of 17-4 with 1 no contest, setting the stage for another competitive clash in the middleweight division.
Imavov recently attempted to push for the title opportunity by proposing a significant financial bet to Strickland, though the organization ultimately moved forward with the traditional booking process for February.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Sean Strickland vs Nassourdine Imavov rematch happening?
The middleweight championship rematch is targeted for a UFC card in February, taking place somewhere in Florida in early 2027.
Who is Sean Strickland fighting next in the UFC?
Sean Strickland is expected to defend his 185-pound title against No. 3-ranked middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov.
Have Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov fought before?
Yes, Sean Strickland previously defeated Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Vegas 67 in early 2023 before their upcoming rematch.
