Imavov corners Strickland at UFC Performance Institute over unsigned middleweight title fight

Nassourdine Imavov took his frustration directly to Sean Strickland on Tuesday, confronting the UFC middleweight champion as he left the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas and demanding answers over a title fight contract that remains unsigned.

Imavov (17-4) intercepted Strickland (31-7) outside the facility and pressed him on why the bout had not been formalised. When Strickland appeared reluctant to engage and attempted to walk away, Imavov escalated the confrontation — at one point offering to personally pay the champion to accept the fight. A UFC staff member attempted to calm the situation before security stepped in as tensions continued to rise.

“What is your problem? You not sign contract?” Imavov said. “Where’s the problem? Money? I have money. The problem is that he talks sht every time on social media. I’m here now, he’s going. He’s a pssy. Where are you going? I’m here. What are you going to do now?”

The confrontation comes against a backdrop of stalled negotiations. Strickland had previously suggested that a title defence against Imavov was close to being finalised, with financial terms the only remaining obstacle. Since then, however, the champion has publicly vented his frustration at the UFC over fighter pay, going as far as threatening to vacate the middleweight title, see out the remainder of his contract at light heavyweight, and leave the promotion entirely in search of more lucrative opportunities elsewhere.

With Strickland’s future in the UFC now uncertain and Imavov growing visibly impatient, the path to a middleweight title fight between the two remains unclear. The Las Vegas confrontation is unlikely to ease the tension on either side of the negotiating table.