Sean Strickland responded to a callout from Nassourdine Imavov after UFC 328. The new middleweight champion said he will take a short break and plans to travel to support his friend Alex Pereira at the White House. Strickland's response deflects the immediate challenge from Imavov without definitively rejecting it. The mention of supporting Pereira at the White House suggests the light heavyweight champion may have an upcoming high-profile appearance or event. Strickland's comments indicate he's not rushing into his next fight despite holding the title.
Sean Strickland acknowledged a callout from Nassourdine Imavov in the wake of UFC 328, but the middleweight champion made clear he is in no hurry to step back into the cage, saying he plans to take a short break and travel to the White House to support his friend and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
Strickland, 35, carries a 31-7-0 record and holds the middleweight title under the banner of Xtreme Couture. The six-foot-one American is one of the busiest strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute, and his 76-inch reach has been a consistent weapon throughout his run at the top. His response to Imavov neither closed the door on the matchup nor committed to a timeline.
Imavov, ranked number one in the middleweight division, has built a compelling case for a title shot. The 30-year-old Frenchman from MMA Factory holds a 17-4-0 record and stands six-foot-three with a striking accuracy of 54 percent — well above the divisional average. He also averages one submission attempt per 15 minutes, adding a grappling dimension to his threat. The callout following UFC 328 positions him as the most vocal contender in the queue.
Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion at 38 years old, carries a 13-4-0 record and a 79-inch reach. The Brazilian finisher lands 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy, making him one of the most efficient strikers in the sport. Strickland's mention of supporting Pereira at the White House points to a notable upcoming appearance for the 205-pound champion, though no further details were confirmed.
Why it matters
- Strickland's deflection leaves the middleweight title picture unsettled heading into the summer
- Imavov's number-one ranking and recent callout keep pressure on the champion to respond eventually
- The Strickland-Pereira friendship off-camera could influence how both men approach scheduling decisions
Saturday, May 9, 2026
