Strickland Says Imavov Rematch Is ‘Almost There’ as Pay Talks Continue

Overview

• Sean Strickland wrote on X on Monday that talks over fighter pay are the only outstanding issue before a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov becomes official.
• Multiple outlets report the bout would headline UFC 335 on December 12 at T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas if the parties finalize a deal.
• This would be Strickland’s first defense since he regained the middleweight belt by beating Khamzat Chimaev in May 2026.
• The proposed rematch would pit Strickland against the same opponent he beat in January 2023 but this time at middleweight against Imavov, who has a five-fight win streak that includes wins over Israel Adesanya and Caio Borralho.
• If pay talks fail the fight could be delayed and the division’s order of challengers may shift, with Chimaev publicly seeking an immediate rematch and the promotion weighing its options.