Strickland responds to Imavov callout: Taking break to support Pereira

Sean Strickland deflected Nassourdine Imavov's callout following UFC 328 on Saturday, telling reporters at the post-event press availability that he plans to take a short break and travel to the White House to support light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira rather than engage with the challenge directly.

Strickland, 35, is the reigning middleweight champion out of Xtreme Couture. The American carries a 31-7-0 record and is one of the division's most active strikers, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a six-foot-one frame and a 76-inch reach. He gave no timeline for when he expects to return to competition.

Imavov, the number-one ranked middleweight contender, made his case for a title shot after UFC 328. The 30-year-old Frenchman trains out of MMA Factory and holds a 17-4-0 record. Standing six-foot-three with a striking accuracy of 54 percent, Imavov also adds a submission threat, averaging one attempt per 15 minutes. His callout received no direct response from the champion.

Pereira, whom Strickland referred to as his brother, is the light heavyweight champion at 38 years old. The Brazilian carries a 13-4-0 record, a six-foot-four frame, and a 79-inch reach, and leads all active UFC champions in striking accuracy at 62 percent.

Why it matters

• Strickland's non-answer leaves the middleweight title picture without a clear next challenger despite Imavov holding the division's top ranking.
• Imavov's combination of striking volume, 54 percent accuracy, and submission attempts would present a stylistically complex puzzle for Strickland.
• The delay means no official timeline exists for the next middleweight title defense.