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7 clusters · 29 sources · 35 days · First seen · Last updated

UFC middleweight title rematch negotiations expand

Overview

Negotiations for the UFC middleweight title rematch between Nassourdine Imavov and Sean Strickland have collapsed, resulting in the bout being removed from the UFC 335 card. While the matchup was expected to headline the December 12 event in Las Vegas, Strickland indicated that a pay dispute was the primary reason the fight did not materialize. Consequently, the UFC moved a BMF title fight between Charles Oliveira and Diego Lopes into the main event slot. In an attempt to resolve the impasse, Imavov proposed a January matchup by offering to put $500,000 of his own money on the line. Khamzat Chimaev also entered the fray, offering to personally pay Strickland $1 million to secure a rematch. Strickland has since escalated his stance, threatening to vacate his middleweight title and leave the promotion. He has expressed frustration over pay disparities compared to stars like Conor McGregor and boxer Conor Benn, while also noting that his body is struggling with the rigors of MMA training. He suggested a move to the light heavyweight division or a transition to boxing, where he believes financial incentives are superior. Boxer Jake Paul has invited Strickland to contact Most Valuable Promotions for a potential bout. Strickland has further alleged that the UFC uses title opportunities as leverage to force athletes into multi-fight deals, claiming he was pressured to sign a six-fight agreement prior to his championship bout against Chimaev. He argued that insufficient pay forces champions to compete past their physical prime. Former champion Dricus du Plessis predicted Strickland would still successfully defend his belt against Imavov despite the contractual uncertainty. In response to potential boxing crossovers, such as a fight against Jai Opetaia, UFC CEO Dana White dismissed the idea, stating he does not believe such a matchup would go well.

Entities

UFC · Sean Strickland · Nassourdine Imavov · Khamzat Chimaev · Jake Paul

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 12 sources
    Sean Strickland disputes UFC pay, eyes boxing career

    UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is threatening to leave mixed martial arts for boxing due to a dispute over fighter pay and contract terms.

  2. [SPORTS] 3 sources
    UFC 335 announces Oliveira vs. Lopes BMF title fight amid Strickland pay dispute

    UFC 335 will feature a BMF title fight between Charles Oliveira and Diego Lopes. Meanwhile, middleweight champion Sean Strickland is threatening to leave the organization for boxing due to pay disputes.

  3. [SPORTS] 16 sources
    Sean Strickland threatens to vacate UFC title over pay dispute

    UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is threatening to vacate his title and leave the promotion over pay disputes, suggesting a move to light heavyweight and a potential boxing match with Jake Paul.

  4. [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Nassourdine Imavov offers Sean Strickland $500,000 for UFC fight

    UFC contender Nassourdine Imavov has offered champion Sean Strickland $500,000 of his own money to facilitate a middleweight title fight in January.

  5. [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Sean Strickland cites pay dispute for UFC 335 absence

    Sean Strickland suggests a pay dispute prevented his middleweight title fight against Nassourdine Imavov from headlining UFC 335, which will now feature Oliveira vs. Lopes.

  6. [SPORTS] 9 sources
    Sean Strickland nears title defense against Nassourdine Imavov

    UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland says a title rematch against Nassourdine Imavov is nearly finalized, with only pay negotiations remaining for the expected UFC 335 headliner in Las Vegas.

  7. [SPORTS] 9 sources
    Nassourdine Imavov confirms date for Sean Strickland title rematch

    UFC middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov has confirmed he has a date for a title rematch against champion Sean Strickland.

Sources

agfight.com · bjpenn.com · bleacherreport.com · boxemag.com · boxingnews.com · cagesidepress.com · dsr.dk · essentiallysports.com · forbesliberia.com · heavy.com · independent.co.uk · inthecage.pl · kimura.se · lowkickmma.com · lowking.pl · middleeasy.com · mma.pl · mmamania.com · si.com · sidekickboxing.co.uk · slamwrestling.net · sport.fr · sportskeeda.com · thebodylockmma.com · theshieldofsports.news · time.news · titanchannel.com · ufight.gr · world-today-journal.com

This summary has been updated 9 times: see revision history