Sean Strickland vs Nassourdine Imavov title rematch reportedly targeted for February in Florida

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is reportedly set to make his first title defense against Nassourdine Imavov in February 2027 at an event somewhere in Florida. MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn said on his podcast The Bohnfire on Tuesday, October 27, that the rematch may already be signed or is close to being signed. The UFC has not announced the fight, and neither fighter has confirmed it.

What Bohn reported

"It's going to be Imavov next," Bohn said, according to Combat Sports UK and MMA Mania. "I've heard it's maybe even signed or close to signed for February for somewhere in Florida, so I think this fight is happening." Analyst Luke Thomas, who joined Bohn on the show, said he had "heard similar," Combat Sports UK reported.

According to Sports Illustrated's summary of the podcast, Bohn also said several sources told him that Strickland is still paid well over a million dollars per fight and will earn around that figure for the Imavov rematch. Bohn suggested that many of Strickland's public claims about his pay are not accurate.

No event number has been confirmed. UFC 336 is set for Saturday, January 30, in Toronto, so a February card in Florida would likely be the promotion's second numbered event of 2027. Sports Illustrated suggested UFC 337 as the likely spot, but this is speculation, not an official booking. Strickland has said he will never fight in Canada again, Combat Sports UK noted.

Why the fight has taken so long

Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) won the middleweight title for the second time in May, beating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey. A defense against Imavov had been widely expected next. Combat Sports UK reported that Strickland had been expected to headline UFC 335 in Las Vegas, where he lives, in December, but that plan fell through.

The main obstacle was a public dispute over money. In October, Strickland posted a series of messages criticising the UFC's offers and threatened to give up the belt. UFC CEO Dana White hit back on October 13, telling reporters: "He got a whole new deal in May. It is what it is."

Outlets disagree on whether the dispute is now over. Combat Sports UK wrote that it "now appears to have been resolved," while MMA Mania's Jesse Holland wrote that it may not be settled until after the Imavov fight.

Former UFC middleweight Derek Brunson took the promotion's side when speaking to Bloody Elbow, as quoted by MMA Mania. "He signed a 10-fight contract and he's on fight number two," Brunson said. "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."

Imavov's campaign

Imavov (17-4, 1 NC), the No. 3-ranked middleweight, has pushed hard for the shot. Earlier this month he confronted Strickland at the UFC Performance Institute and had to be held back by security, MMA Junkie reported. Sherdog reported that he also offered to put $500,000 of his own money on the line and urged the UFC to strip the champion if he would not fight.

The Strickland vs Imavov rematch would come more than four years after their first meeting. Strickland beat Imavov by unanimous decision in the UFC Fight Night main event in Las Vegas in January 2023, a short-notice fight at light heavyweight.

What comes next

Sports Illustrated noted that an official announcement could come around UFC 334 in New York City on November 14 or UFC 335 in Las Vegas on December 12, though the UFC has given no timeline. Chimaev, who still wants a rematch with Strickland, remains a likely future opponent if the champion gets past Imavov, according to Bohn.

Until the UFC confirms it, Strickland vs Imavov in February should be treated as a report.