Sean Strickland-Imavov Rematch Talks Put the Champion’s Decision Profile Back in Focus

A Sean Strickland-Nassourdine Imavov rematch has moved closer to the negotiating table’s finish line, but it has not crossed it.

Sherdog reported that Strickland described the matchup as nearly finalized, with compensation still under discussion, and linked the talks to UFC 335 in December; the outlet also reported that Imavov has won five straight since losing their 2023 meeting. Until the promotion confirms the bout, its date, title status and format remain unsettled.

That distinction matters for bettors. The news increases the probability of a familiar matchup becoming relevant again, but it does not create a wager by itself. There is no verified market attached to the booking, and PropBetEdge does not yet have a graded projection for it.

What the talks do provide is time to identify the numbers that would matter most if Strickland-Imavov becomes official. Strickland’s record points first toward duration and striking volume—not an automatic side.

Strickland’s recent results keep pulling fights deep

Strickland enters the negotiations as the middleweight champion with a 31-7 record. He is 35, has been active across 25 archived UFC bouts and last competed 142 days ago. His latest result was a five-round split decision over Khamzat Chimaev on May 9.

The broader finishing profile is more useful than the headline win. Strickland has gone 18-7 across those 25 archived appearances, with 12 of his 18 victories coming by decision. Five came by knockout or TKO and one by submission, producing a 33% finish rate across his wins. He has been finished twice.