Nassourdine Imavov Offers Sean Strickland $500K to Accept UFC Rematch

Nassourdine Imavov is determined to secure his rematch against UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland, even offering money out of his own pocket. Imavov was initially expected to challenge Strickland for the 185-pound title at UFC 335 on Dec. 12 in Las Vegas. However, the promotion announced during the UFC 332 broadcast that a BMF title bout between Charles Oliveira and Diego Lopes will headline UFC 335, pushing the middleweight title fight to a later date.

Strickland admitted on social media last month that the rematch with Imavov was close to being booked, with only purse negotiations remaining. Following claims on X that Strickland is demanding $1 million for a January fight at UFC 336 while the UFC is offering $400,000 to show and $400,000 to win, Imavov decided to step in directly to resolve the financial hurdle.

Taking to X, Imavov made a formal offer to Strickland: "If it’s really about money, I’ll put $500K of my own money on the line if you beat me in January." The French contender added that Strickland is simply "scared" if he still turns down the offer, joked that he would handle him outside the Octagon, and asked the UFC whether Strickland should remain champion. With the delay, Imavov’s first UFC title opportunity and chance at revenge against one of only two men to defeat him in the promotion will now have to wait until 2027 if a January bout is not finalized.