Nassourdine Imavov offers $500K, tells UFC to strip Sean Strickland

Nassourdine Imavov escalated negotiations for his middleweight title rematch against champion Sean Strickland by offering $500,000 of his own money to secure the fight. Originally scheduled as the headliner for UFC 335 in Las Vegas on December 12, the bout was postponed when the promotion announced a BMF title fight between Charles Oliveira and Diego Lopes for that card. The rematch has been rescheduled for UFC 336 in January 2027.

Strickland had acknowledged last month on social media that terms were nearly finalized, with only the purse remaining unresolved. Reports emerged that Strickland was demanding $1 million to fight, while the UFC was offering $400,000 to show and $400,000 to win—totaling $800,000. Imavov responded by putting forward his own substantial sum, publicly declaring on X (formerly Twitter) that he would add $500,000 to Strickland's purse should the champion accept the bout.

Frustrated by the stalled negotiations, Imavov challenged Strickland's willingness to fight, suggesting the champion was avoiding the matchup rather than haggling over money. He also called on the UFC to strip Strickland of the title if talks continued to stall. Imavov's first title shot represents a chance at revenge against one of only two fighters who have defeated him in the promotion, making the financial gesture and public pressure a calculated move to force the champion's hand before the end of 2026.