Strickland Risks Middleweight Title Strip Over UFC Standoff

Sean Strickland could lose his UFC middleweight title without stepping into the cage.

The champion, who captured the belt from Khamzat Chimaev this past May at UFC 328, has stalled on finalizing a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov despite February being discussed as a potential date. Strickland recently complained about his new contract terms and admitted he no longer feels passionate about mixed martial arts, going so far as to suggest a move to influencer boxing instead.

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Contender Warns UFC Will Create Interim Belt

Caio Borralho, the division's sixth-ranked fighter, told MMA Junkie the promotion will not tolerate the delay much longer. Borralho pointed to Islam Makhachev's situation as precedent, noting the lightweight champion avoided a January date and the UFC responded by creating an interim championship. "If Strickland stays with this narrative for too long, they'll strip him," Borralho said in the interview with Stake.

Borralho himself competes at the New York stop of UFC 334 against Contender Series product Yousri Belgaroui, while Joe Pyfer and Bo Nickal are set to clash in Cleveland during the opening months of next year. Both Chimaev and ex-champion Dricus Du Plessis remain ranked at the top of the weight class.

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Talks between Strickland and Imavov continue for a February bout, but the champion's public flirtation with vacating has frozen the division.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Sean Strickland in danger of losing middleweight title in one-sided war with UFC — ‘They’ll strip him’