Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov Reportedly Targeted for UFC 337 in February 2027
Earlier this month, Sean Strickland had fans talking after taking his frustrations with the UFC public. The middleweight champion raised concerns about his contract on social media, with his planned title defense against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC 335 failing to materialize.
Strickland didn’t hold back on X, openly criticizing the promotion over his current deal. He even suggested moving up to light heavyweight to wrap up his UFC contract before making the jump to boxing. A potential showdown with Jake Paul was also on his radar, with the former champion eyeing a bigger payday outside the Octagon.
The American also took aim at the UFC’s treatment of its fighters, accusing the promotion of ruining their legacies by paying them less while expecting them to keep competing against younger opponents. However, things appear to have taken a different turn since then.
Reports later emerged that Strickland had signed a new six-fight deal with the UFC, reportedly worth more than $1 million per fight, just ahead of UFC 328. Dana White also confirmed that his relationship with the middleweight champion was in a good place.
Now, with the contract situation seemingly settled, speculation has started to build around Strickland’s return. Reports suggest the former champion could be back in action in 2027, potentially defending his middleweight title as he looks to put the recent drama behind him.
Sean Strickland Could Return for Middleweight Title Defense in Early 2027
MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn recently reported that Strickland could return in the first quarter of 2027 to defend his middleweight title. Speaking on his podcast with Luke Thomas, Bohn revealed, “It’s going to be Imavov next; I heard it may even be signed or close to being signed for February somewhere in Florida.”
While the fight has yet to be confirmed, UFC 337 appears to be a possible landing spot, with Kevin K also reporting on the potential matchup. Interestingly, Bohn was also the journalist who first reported that Strickland was earning more than $1 million per fight under his new UFC deal.
🚨 Sean Strickland vs Nassourdine Imavov is being targeted for February in Florida
The fight is reportedly “close to being signed” 👀
(via @MikeBohn) https://t.co/Q75mkann30
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 27, 2026
For now, fans will have to wait for the promotion to make things official, as the contracts are reportedly still being worked on. Given the UFC’s usual approach to announcing major fights, the matchup could be revealed during UFC 334 on November 14 in New York City. If not, UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas could be the next opportunity for the promotion to make the announcement.
Strickland and Imavov are no strangers to each other. The two middleweights first fought at UFC Fight Night 217 in January 2023, when Strickland accepted the matchup on short notice at 205lbs. He went on to win by unanimous decision before eventually challenging Israel Adesanya for the middleweight title at UFC 293 later that year.
Strickland has not competed since his upset victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 in May. The American earned a split-decision win after a pivotal fifth round, but a shoulder injury has kept “Tarzan” out of action for several months.
Meanwhile, Imavov is coming off a win over Caio Borralho at UFC Paris last year. If the reported matchup comes together, the French-Dagestani will get another shot at settling things with Strickland, who already holds a win over him.
With Strickland’s contract situation seemingly sorted out, a potential title defense against Imavov could be the next step in his return to the Octagon. However, until the UFC makes an official announcement, the February matchup remains unconfirmed.