It seems like Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov are eventually going to fight. But Imavov is tired of waiting.
Since reclaiming the middleweight title by beating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 in June, MMA fans have wondered who would be first up to challenge Strickland for the belt. While Chimaev lobbied for an immediate rematch, it seems like the UFC brass instead decided to go with Imavov, per Strickland. Imavov is on a five-fight winning streak and he and Strickland have history, having previously
fought at in 2023, and Imavov is itching to do so again.
Case in point, on Wednesday, new footage dropped of Strickland and Imavov having a heated run-in in Las Vegas, where Imavov attempted to confront Strickland over the delay in booking the fight (h/t Championship Rounds).
“You not sign the contract? What is the problem? Money? I have money!”
Plenty of security was around to prevent anything from jumping off between the two and in the video, Strickland simply walks away, leaving Imavov to explain his anger to the security guards between them, before shouting to Strickland and his entourage.
“The problem is that he talks shit everytime, social media. I’m here now and he’s going. He’s a pussy, bro. He is pussy. Where are you going?! I’m here! Where are you going?! What are you gonna do now?! I’m here!”
Someone from Strickland’s team says back to Imavov, “Nass, stop! This isn’t helping!” which only seems to rile Imavov up more. He continues shouting and then tries to make a break past security to get to Strickland, but they intervene before he gets far, ending the video.
Strickland later responded on Instagram after the video was released.
“Cringe… His training partner knows our schedule because he’s trained with us,” Strickland said. “Tuesday and Thursday 10am xtreme but instead chose to go to the pi with the nicest more than likely under paid staff and full security to get content… Definition of cringe.“
“Nothing bro it was all fake content if anything its just mildy uncomfortable,” Strickland said when asked what happened after the video cut out.. 4 guys with iPhones and security lol I just felt awkward.“
Unforunately for Imavov, the issue for Strickland does not appear to be something he can do anything about. The middleweight champ posted repeatedly on Wednesday about his issues with the money the UFC was offering him, and potentially vacating his title so he can make more money outside of the UFC.
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FLAVOR IN YOUR EAR
No Bets Barred.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Sean Strickland really on one right now.
And Paulo Costa wants in.
And Jake Paul.
Over/Under he gets 3.5 of these?
Ki MMA.
Come on, man.
Get Thor in the octagon.
FEED ME MORE
Thoughts?
FINAL THOUGHTS
Man, Sean Strickland really having a week right now. I’m sure eventually he’ll settle down and fight, but the man has finally realized how underpaid he is. If he never fights again he could make a killing on the media circuit.
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