Sean Strickland is once again the middleweight champion.
But his first title defense after recapturing the crown with a victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 remains a puzzle for matchmakers to solve. Chimaev is under the impression that he’s getting an immediate rematch while Dricus Du Plessis — who already holds two victories over “Tarzan” — is back in the win column after defeating Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma.
According to top contender Nassourdine Imavov, he’s “100 percent fighting for the belt.”
“My next fight is (for) the belt,” Imavov told Jaiden Cable (via MMA Junkie). “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. After Khamzat vs. Strickland, I’m 100 percent fighting for the belt.”
Strickland defeated Imavov by decision at UFC Vegas 67.
“I do not like him, he’s not a good person,” Imavov added. “He talks shit every day. We already fought before, and he insulted me several times. Even during his fight week with Khamzat, he called me a terrorist. It’s such bullshit that it’s hard not to want to rip his head off. It’s very personal. I think he’s the only fighter in the UFC where it’s so personal.”
Here’s the good news: Strickland is also in favor of an Imavov title shot.
Imavov (17-4, 1 NC) is undefeated since losing to Strickland, racking up five straight wins with a pair of knockout finishes over longtime middleweight contender Jared Cannonier and former division champion Israel Adesanya. The only downside to the 31-year-old Imavov is his marketability, which goes a long way in 2026.
Just ask this snubbed contender.
