UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is expected to defend his 185-pound title against No. 3-ranked title contender Nassourdine Imavov in early 2027.
“It’s going to be Imavov next I heard, it may even be signed or close to being signed for February somewhere in Florida,” MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn said on his official podcast.
“Just from what Dana [White] says and what [Strickland] has said, he signed a 10-fight contract and he’s on fight number two,” former UFC middleweight Derek Brunson told Bloody Elbow. “I mean, why would you sign a 10-fight contract? You probably didn’t think you were going to win, you probably were looking for stability and you actually won and now you want something different? I’ve got to kind of be on Dana’s side on this one. I’m always for the fighters but maybe don’t sign a 10-fight contract when it’s offered because you’ve got a tough fight on the table. Bet on yourself.”
