Strickland vs. Imavov II could happen next February

Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov are reportedly on course to meet again in February, with the UFC middleweight championship on the line in Florida.

According to MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, the rematch is “signed or close to being signed” for early next year, giving Imavov the title opportunity he has pursued for more than a year.

Strickland enters the bout as middleweight champion after reclaiming the belt from Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 in May.

He won that contest by split decision, adding another major victory to a career that has included a first middleweight title run, a loss to Dricus du Plessis, and a return to the top of the division. 

The 31-7 fighter has not competed since that win, partly because of a shoulder injury and an ongoing disagreement with the UFC over pay.

Imavov, ranked number 3 at middleweight, has waited patiently while the promotion sorted out its championship picture.

The French fighter last competed in September 2025, when he defeated Caio Borralho by unanimous decision at UFC Paris. 

That victory extended his winning run and strengthened his claim as the leading available challenger.

Their first meeting took place at UFC Fight Night 217 in January 2023, when Strickland earned a unanimous decision at light heavyweight. The scores were 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47, in favour of Strickland. 

This time, the stakes are considerably higher: Imavov is no longer an unranked opponent searching for some push, but a contender with a five-fight winning streak and a legitimate case for the belt.

The road to this rematch has not been smooth. The fight was initially linked to UFC 335 in December, but negotiations over Strickland’s compensation prevented it from being finalized. 

Imavov later attempted to force the issue by offering Strickland $500,000 of his own money if the champion beat him, while publicly calling for the UFC to strip Strickland if he continued to avoid the matchup.

Strickland’s financial dispute remains a potential complication. Reports indicate he is under a ten-fight UFC contract and is only two fights into it, while seeking improved terms before committing to another appearance. 

Even so, the latest reporting suggests the promotion and the champion have moved close enough to an agreement for February to become a realistic target.

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