Sean Strickland confirms he will fight Nassourdine Imavov later this year in first title defence

Sean Strickland has confirmed there is just one slight issue stopping an announcement for his return to the octagon.

Back in May, the outspoken American dethroned Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey. He eked out a decision victory to end the unbeaten Chechen’s title reign in what ended up being a sole defense.

He suffered a bad injury in the lead-up to that fight and needed a few months to recover, before being in another accident last week. Luckily, he is now recovered and once money is agreed he will announce a fight with Nassourdine Imavov that is expected to land in December.

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Sean Strickland confirms negotiations for Nassourdine Imavov fight

The clear top contender at middleweight remains Nassourdine Imavov. He has been unable to get a booking for over a year amid a logjam atop the division, but is on a five-fight winning run that includes a knockout of the legendary Israel Adesanya and Caio Borralho.

UFC 335 is the only major numbered card left this year that needs a main event, and it takes place in Sean Strickland’s adopted home of Las Vegas. The December 12 show at T-Mobile Arena will serve as the final one of the promotion’s calendar.

He is expected to headline that event, and replied to a fan asking if he would be fighting Imavov next on social media by writing: “We’re discussing pay now. Once that detail is squared its locked in. The issue is no one cares about the fake Frenchman. We’re almost there.”