UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland and contender Nassourdine Imavov clashed outside the Octagon on Wednesday at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, as ongoing contract disputes and financial disagreements stalled their anticipated rematch. The unexpected confrontation required security intervention after Imavov confronted the American champion over the delayed fight signing.
Contract Stalemates and Financial Disputes in Las Vegas
Discussions regarding a second meeting between Strickland and Imavov have faced repeated hurdles. Initial plans had targeted the matchup for UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas. However, those plans dissolved when negotiations stalled over Strickland’s compensation demands. Frustrated by the lack of a signed bout agreement, Imavov approached the champion directly during their encounter at the performance institute.
“You’re not signing the contract? The money? I have money, I’ll give it to you. Hey, I’m here, where are you going?” Imavov shouted, according to reports of the exchange. As Strickland attempted to walk away, the French contender added, “He talks trash all the time on social media. And now that I’m here, he walks away. He’s a coward! Where are you going? I’m here!” Facility security ultimately stepped in to separate the two fighters before physical strikes were exchanged.
Diverging Trajectories Since Their 2023 Meeting
The two fighters first met in January 2023 at a catchweight of 205 pounds (93 kg), a bout accepted on short notice where Strickland secured a unanimous decision victory. Their careers have diverged significantly since that initial meeting. Strickland captured the 185-pound (84 kg) middleweight championship, while Imavov climbed the division’s rankings on the strength of a five-fight win streak, highlighted by a victory over Israel Adesanya.
Seeking to clear any financial roadblocks to the title eliminator, Imavov previously stated an unusual proposal on social media. “If it’s really about the money, I’ll put $500,000 of my own money on the line if you beat me in January,” the French fighter wrote, while publicly calling on the promotion to strip Strickland of the belt should the champion continue refusing the bout.
Boxing Ambitions and Contract Expirations
The friction with the promotion extends beyond a single matchup. Strickland has openly questioned his long-term future in mixed martial arts, signaling a growing desire to transition into professional boxing. The champion has frequently highlighted his background as a boxer evolving in MMA, suggesting that a lucrative crossover bout against Jake Paul remains an appealing career path.
On social media, Strickland detailed his current mindset regarding his fighting future. “The idea of simply abandoning my belt, moving up to 93 kg, expediting my contract and facing Jake Paul to earn what those guys make is frankly very tempting,” he wrote. In subsequent video messages, the champion elaborated on his physical wear after 21 years of training, noting that boxing appears more lucrative and less punishing on his body than the demands of mixed martial arts.
Middleweight Division Remains in Holding Pattern
With Strickland absent from the upcoming UFC 335 card—which features a BMF championship bout between Charles Oliveira and Diego Lopes—the middleweight division remains in a holding pattern. While Imavov maintains his position as a primary challenger eager to avenge his prior loss and secure his first shot at a UFC title, neither the promotion nor the fighters have officially confirmed a rescheduled date or venue for the bout.
