Sean Strickland cites pay dispute for UFC 335 absence

Middleweight champion Sean Strickland has indicated that a pay dispute, rather than injury, prevented his scheduled fight against Nassourdine Imavov from headlining UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas.

While initial reports suggested an ATV accident in late September had sidelined the fighter, Strickland appeared to confirm social media speculation that monetary negotiations were the primary obstacle. He previously noted that a bout with Imavov was nearly finalized but contingent on reaching an agreement regarding pay.

As a result of the stalled negotiations, the UFC has moved a BMF title fight between Charles Oliveira and Diego Lopes to the main event slot for the T-Mobile Arena card.