Sean Strickland wants his second UFC title reign to be a meritocracy and therefor, Nassourdine Imavov should be his first challenger.
Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) reclaimed the middleweight title at UFC 328 on Saturday with a split decision upset over Khamzat Chimaev (15-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC). He sustained a nose injury in the fight, but once he heals, said he would be prepared to put his new belt up for grabs.
Who should be the man to fight for it, though? Strickland said he wants to abide by the UFC rankings, and Imavov, who he has already beat, is the highest ranked name not coming off a loss.
“I truly believe in UFC rankings,” Strickland told MMA Junkie at the UFC 328 post-fight news conference. “I think they f*cking matter. I hate when guys jump it. So if that’s who the UFC (want). If that’s the rankings. That’s who it is. Let’s go.”
Imavov is currently No. 2 at middleweight in the official UFC rankings. He’s on a six-fight unbeaten streak with his last blemish coming to Strickland in a short-notice bout at light heavyweight at UFC Fight Night 217 in January 2023.
The only person ranked higher, is No. 1 former champion Dricus Du Plessis, who ended Strickland’s first title reign in January 2024 then won a rematch 13 months later. Du Plessis hasn’t competed since losing the belt to Chimaev in August, however, and there’s been minimal push from fans for a third encounter in the aftermath of Strickland’s win.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Sean Strickland supports Nassourdine Imavov as first UFC title defense