Sean Strickland’s next middleweight title defense is widely expected to be a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov, the division’s top contender on a five-fight win streak that includes a knockout of Israel Adesanya. Negotiations for a December 2026 bout at UFC 335 advanced significantly before stalling over pay, with Imavov even offering personal incentives, positioning the matchup as the clear frontrunner despite the delay into 2027. Dricus du Plessis sits further back as a potential option given his two prior victories over Strickland, though his recent title loss to Khamzat Chimaev and subsequent rebound have not elevated him above Imavov in the queue. Chimaev’s rematch appeal remains limited after the May 2026 split-decision defeat at UFC 328, even with his public offer of substantial side money, as Strickland prioritizes contractual obligations amid ongoing pay disputes and brief interest in boxing crossovers.