Sean Strickland has said that he’d like to rerun before the end of 2026, and there’s no clearer matchup than a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov. Outside of a trilogy with Dricus du Plessis, Imavov has done everything needed to earn a shot at middleweight gold. The co-main is just as compelling. Magomed Ankalaev got back in the win column with a fifth-round TKO in Abu Dhabi, while Paulo Costa reminded everyone how dangerous he is with an outstanding light heavyweight debut at UFC 327. With Carlos Ulberg currently sidelined, Ankalaev vs. Costa feels like the obvious fight to determine who’s next in line at 205. Two title fights. Four elite fighters. A perfect way to close out 2026 (Bonus points for whoever can guess the inspiration for this poster) #ufc #mma #magomedankalaev #paulocosta #seanstrickland
Sean Strickland has publicly expressed interest in running back his fight with Nassourdine Imavov before the year is out, setting the stage for what could be one of the most compelling middleweight matchups of 2026.
Strickland, who has been vocal about wanting to stay active, identified the Imavov rematch as his preferred next step. The French contender has built a strong case for a middleweight title shot, and outside of a potential trilogy bout involving champion Dricus du Plessis, Imavov has done what was needed to position himself at the front of the line. A rematch between the two would carry significant divisional weight.
The conversation around a potential card does not stop at middleweight. Magomed Ankalaev returned to winning ways with a fifth-round TKO in Abu Dhabi, reasserting himself as one of the premier forces in the light heavyweight division. Paulo Costa, meanwhile, turned heads with an impressive debut at 205 pounds at UFC 327, reminding the MMA world that his power and aggression translate well above middleweight.
Why it matters
- A Strickland vs. Imavov rematch would have direct title implications at 185 pounds, with Imavov widely regarded as next in line
- Ankalaev's TKO win and Costa's standout light heavyweight debut create a logical pairing to determine a number-one contender at 205
- Carlos Ulberg's current absence from competition clears the path for Ankalaev vs. Costa to serve as the definitive light heavyweight eliminator
- Stacking both matchups on the same card would give the UFC a strong double-title-contention event to close out the year
