Strickland says pay talks are final hurdle before Imavov rematch at UFC 335

Sean Strickland says his UFC middleweight title rematch with Nassourdine Imavov is close to being finalised, with pay negotiations the last detail standing between the two sides and an official booking for UFC 335 in Las Vegas.

“We’re discussing pay now,” Strickland wrote on X on September 27. “Once that detail is squared its locked in. The issue is no one cares about the fake Frenchman. We’re almost there.”

The December numbered event in Las Vegas had been without a headliner, and the rematch has been the subject of growing speculation in recent weeks. Strickland’s comments confirm that talks are at an advanced stage, though no official announcement has been made.

Strickland holds the middleweight title for the second time after defeating Khamzat Chimaev in a major upset this past June. His history with Imavov dates to 2023, when he handed the Frenchman his most recent defeat.

Since that loss, Imavov has put together a five-fight winning streak against elite opposition, including victories over Caio Borralho and Israel Adesanya in UFC Fight Night main events — a run that has positioned him as the leading contender in the division.

Despite Imavov’s credentials, Strickland was dismissive of his challenger’s drawing power, suggesting the Frenchman’s marketability remains a sticking point in negotiations. Whether that sentiment reflects genuine concern from the UFC or is simply Strickland’s trademark trash talk remains to be seen.

If confirmed, the rematch would give Imavov the chance to avenge his only defeat in over two years and claim his first UFC title, while Strickland would look to cement his second reign at the top of the middleweight division.