Sean Strickland eyes December return for third fight of 2026

Sean Strickland expects to be back in the cage before the end of the year despite nursing a shoulder injury from his UFC 328 title win.

The middleweight champion, who reclaimed the belt from Khamzat Chimaev in May, told a fan on X that he's targeting a December return. "We're looking at a December return," Strickland wrote, per MMA Mania. "Just cant become a fat POS while I heal up haha."

Strickland's shoulder injury and hectic 2026 schedule

Strickland revealed the significant shoulder damage on his right side immediately after the Newark bout, which may explain his limited use of right hands late in the five-round fight. A December cage date would mark his third appearance of 2026 after stopping Anthony Hernandez and edging Chimaev across 25 minutes.

Three title defenses in a calendar year would be rare in the modern UFC, where most champions fight once or twice annually. Strickland has been competing professionally since 2008 and is managing a known injury through the layoff.

Potential opponents include Chimaev in a rematch, Nassourdine Imavov, who has been waiting for a title shot, and the winner of the upcoming Dricus du Plessis-Kamaru Usman bout. Both du Plessis and Usman hold wins over Strickland from earlier in his career.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Sean Strickland reveals return timeline, targets third fight in 2026