Sean Strickland vs Nassourdine Imavov title rematch planned for February in Florida, says Bohn
MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn said the fight may already be signed, after a pay dispute with the UFC derailed plans for a December date in Las Vegas.
The UFC is planning Sean Strickland's first middleweight title defence of his second reign against Nassourdine Imavov for February in Florida, MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn has said. Nothing has been announced.
"It's going to be Imavov next," Bohn said on his podcast The Bohnfire. "I've heard it's maybe even signed or close to signed for February for somewhere in Florida so I think this fight is happening." Luke Thomas, speaking with Bohn on the show, said he had "heard similar".
Strickland had been expected to headline UFC 335 in Las Vegas, where he lives, in December. That plan fell through amid his dispute with the UFC over pay, which now appears to have been resolved. Strickland had complained about the offers for an Imavov fight and threatened to give up the belt.
A February event in Florida would likely be the UFC's second numbered event of 2027, after UFC 336 in Toronto on 30 January. Strickland has said he will never fight in Canada again.
Strickland took the title from Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 in May. He beat Imavov in January 2023. Chimaev has said he will follow Strickland up in weight if the champion leaves the division before a rematch.
Every UK fight result and what's next, every Friday. Get the free UK fight briefing
More MMA from Combat Sports UK
- Vadim Nemkov says UFC fighters "get paid mere pennies" and he earns about twice as much in PFL
- Vadim Nemkov defends PFL heavyweight title against Sergei Bilostenniy in Dubai on November 14
- Anthony Pettis to challenge Arman Tsarukyan for RAF title in RAF 15 main event in Chicago
- TUF 34 winner Tina Black wants a top-10 or top-15 opponent for her UFC debut
The UK fight briefing
The stories, results and upcoming fights worth knowing. Every Friday.