Sean Strickland Says Title Fight With Nassourdine Imavov Nearly Finalized

Sean Strickland says his expected December title defense against Nassourdine Imavov is close to being locked in, with pay the final detail to sort out.

"We're discussing pay now. Once that detail is squared it's locked in. The issue is no one cares about the fake Frenchman. We're almost there," Strickland

Strickland reclaimed the middleweight title with a split decision win over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 in May and would be making his first defense of this reign. He previously beat Imavov by decision in January 2023, though Imavov has since won five straight against ranked opposition, including a knockout of Israel Adesanya and a win over Caio Borralho.

The fight hasn't been officially announced, with UFC 335 on December 12 at T-Mobile Arena still without a confirmed headliner.