Imavov was expected to challenge Strickland
Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight title at UFC 335 in December. However, the headliner for the numbered event in Las Vegas on December 12 was announced during the event. UFC 332 show, pushing the next 185-pound championship match until next year.
Imavov is raising the stakes in negotiations for a UFC title rematch with Sean Strickland
Strickland admitted on social media last month that the rematch against Imavov is almost booked and all that’s left is the purse. The Xi user has since claimed that Strickland is demanding $1 million to fight Imavov at UFC 336 in January, while the UFC is only offering $400,000 to show and $400,000 to win, prompting a response from Imavov.
Imavov is now offering Strickland $500,000 of his own money to lure him into the fight. The Frenchman joked that he’s ready to deal with Strickland outside the Octagon if the champion still won’t accept the fight, and called on the UFC to take him down if negotiations continue.
“If it’s really about money, I’ll bet $500,000 of my own money if you beat me (Sean Strickland) in January by putting it on the line,” wrote Imavov Xs. “If you still don’t take it, you’re just scared. I can handle you outside. UFC, THIS is your champion? Come on, STRIP.
UFC 335 will be headlined by a BMF title fight Charles Oliveira against Diego Lopes. The match was originally announced as the co-headlining of a rematch between Strickland and Imavov. Imavov’s first UFC title shot and a revenge fight against one of the two middleweights who defeated him in the promotion will now have to wait until 2027.
😂😂😂 If it’s really about money, I’ll put $500,000 of my money on the line if you beat me in January @SStricklandMMA putting it on the record If you still don’t take it, you’re just scared. I’ll deal with you outside. @ufc THIS is your champion? Come HIS STRIP #NoHappyEnding
— Imavov Nassourdine (@imavov1)
October 4, 2026
