Sean Strickland confronted by Nassourdine Imavov over unsigned UFC title fight

Tensions flared between Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, as the French contender confronted the middleweight champion over their unsigned title fight. Imavov (17-4) questioned Strickland (31-7) about contract terms and even offered to pay the champion to face him, escalating the confrontation until UFC staff intervened.

"What is your problem? You not sign contract?" Imavov demanded. "Where's the problem? Money? I have money. The problem is that he talks s*** every time on social media. I'm here now, he's going. He's a p****. Where are you going? I'm here. What are you going to do now?"

Strickland, known for his combative media presence, appeared reluctant to engage and attempted to leave as Imavov pursued him. The confrontation highlights ongoing friction between the two fighters, with Strickland previously indicating that a title defense against Imavov was nearing completion, with financial terms as the remaining barrier.

However, Strickland has since expressed broader frustration with UFC fighter pay, threatening to vacate his title, finish his contract at light heavyweight, and leave the promotion for more lucrative opportunities elsewhere. The heated encounter underscores the tension between Imavov's desire for a title shot and Strickland's dissatisfaction with the terms the UFC is offering, a dispute that has stalled one of the division's most anticipated matchups.