Overview
- Caio Borralho, a top-ranked middleweight, told reporters the UFC can strip Strickland if he does not accept a defense soon and pointed to the promotion's recent interim-belt handling as precedent.
- Strickland remains the undisputed middleweight champion after his May victory over Khamzat Chimaev but has not booked a next fight and has publicly complained about pay and explored a boxing move.
- Reports say Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov have discussed a rematch that could happen early next year, but no bout has been officially announced by the UFC.
- Borralho is scheduled to fight Yousri Belgaroui and says a win would strengthen his claim for a title shot if the promotion moves to create an interim belt or declare the title vacant.
- If the UFC creates an interim title or strips Strickland, the decision would reshape the 185-pound pecking order and could push active contenders like Borralho, Joe Pyfer and Brendan Allen into immediate title contention.