Strickland-Imavov Rematch Targeted

The UFC is reportedly close to finalizing a February event in Florida headlined by middleweight champion Sean Strickland defending his title against No. 3-ranked Nassourdine Imavov.

The two first met in January 2023, when Strickland won by unanimous decision at what was then the UFC APEX. Later that year he stopped Abus Magomedov and beat Israel Adesanya to win the title for the first time. He lost it to Dricus du Plessis in his first defense, then regained it last May with a major upset of Khamzat Chimaev.

Since losing to Strickland, Imavov is on a six-fight unbeaten run (5 wins, 1 no-contest), including finishes of Brendan Allen, Israel Adesanya and Caio Borralho.