Sean Strickland's next fight 'only for the belt,' Imavov says

Sean Strickland regained the middleweight championship with a win over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, but his first title defense remains uncertain as multiple contenders stake their claims.

Nassourdine Imavov told Jaiden Cable in a recent interview that UFC officials informed him his next appearance will be a title bout. "Before the fight with Strickland and Khamzat, I wanted to fight Dricus (Du Plessis) to stay active, and the UFC told me I could fight only for the belt," Imavov said, per MMA Junkie. "After Khamzat vs. Strickland, I'm 100 percent fighting for the belt."

Imavov brings five-fight streak and personal grudge to title picture

The 31-year-old Frenchman has not lost since Strickland defeated him by decision at UFC Vegas 67. Imavov has since rattled off five consecutive victories, including knockout wins over Jared Cannonier and former champion Israel Adesanya. The unbeaten run puts him squarely in title contention, though questions about his marketability persist in the promotion's current landscape.

Imavov made clear the matchup carries personal weight. He called Strickland a poor character who disrespected him repeatedly, including an incident during fight week with Chimaev when the champion allegedly used a slur against him. "It's such bullshit that it's hard not to want to rip his head off," Imavov said. "It's very personal. I think he's the only fighter in the UFC where it's so personal."

Chimaev reportedly believes he deserves an immediate rematch, while Dricus Du Plessis returned to the win column against Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma and holds two career victories over Strickland. MMA Mania noted that Strickland himself has publicly supported an Imavov title shot, which could simplify matchmaking for a division with several credible challengers.

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• MMA Mania — Who is Sean Strickland fighting next? ‘UFC told me I could fight only for the belt,’ says middleweight ‘Sniper’