Sean Strickland responded to Nassourdine Imavov's post-fight callout at UFC 328, declining the matchup for now. Strickland stated he will take a short break and travel to support his friend Alex Pereira at an upcoming event at the White House. The response suggests Strickland is not immediately interested in facing Imavov despite the French contender's challenge. No timeline was given for Strickland's return to competition or his next opponent. Pereira's White House appearance appears to be related to an official engagement, though specific details are not provided in the post.
Middleweight champion Sean Strickland turned down a callout from top contender Nassourdine Imavov following UFC 328 on May 9, signaling he has no immediate interest in that matchup and plans to step away from competition briefly before supporting his friend Alex Pereira at a White House engagement.
Strickland, 35, holds a 31-7-0 record and currently sits atop the middleweight division. The American fighter out of Xtreme Couture is one of the busiest strikers in the 185-pound class, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a six-foot-one frame and a 76-inch reach. Despite his volume, his striking accuracy sits at 42 percent, reflecting an aggressive, pressure-heavy style.
Imavov, the number-one ranked middleweight contender, made his case for a title shot with the callout after UFC 328. The 30-year-old Frenchman carries a 17-4-0 record and trains out of MMA Factory. At six-foot-three and with a striking accuracy of 54 percent, Imavov brings a more precise offensive game, and his submission attempt rate of one per 15 minutes adds a grappling dimension to his arsenal.
Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, holds a 13-4-0 record and trains out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness. The 38-year-old Brazilian is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport, connecting at 62 percent accuracy while landing 5.16 significant strikes per minute. The specifics of his White House appearance were not detailed.
Why it matters
- Strickland's rejection leaves the middleweight title picture unsettled with no next opponent announced
- Imavov, ranked number one at 185 pounds, now waits on the sidelines despite a clear challenge
- Strickland's timeline for returning to competition remains entirely open following the brief break
Saturday, May 9, 2026
