IMAVOV PUTS $500K ON STRICKLAND: 'Take the Fight or You're Scared'

The French contender offers Sean Strickland half a million of his own money for January — and demands the UFC strip him if he refuses.

"If it's really about money, I'll put $500K of my own money on the line if you beat me in January."

Nassourdine Imavov is done waiting. The French contender just offered Sean Strickland half a million dollars of his own cash — and told the UFC to strip the champion if he still says no.

Why It Matters Now

The middleweight title picture is officially a soap opera. Strickland and Imavov were supposed to headline UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas. Then the UFC pivoted to Oliveira vs. Lopes for the BMF belt, pay talks stalled, and Imavov decided to negotiate in public — with his wallet.

The $500K Offer

Imavov posted the challenge on X on October 4, directly at the champion:

"If it's really about money, I'll put $500K of my own money on the line if you beat me in January @SStricklandMMA, putting this on record. If you still don't take it, then you're just scared. I'll handle you outside. @UFC this is your champ? Come on STRIP HIM #NoHappyEnding"

Why It's Stalled

Strickland reportedly wants $1 million for a January date at UFC 336. The reported UFC offer: $400,000 to show, $400,000 to win.

Strickland himself has said pay is the last hurdle. Imavov just tried to remove the hurdle with his own checkbook.

The History

They have met before. Strickland beat Imavov by unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 67 in January 2023, stepping in on short notice at light heavyweight. Imavov has won five straight since, including the UFC Paris win over Caio Borralho in September 2025.

Strickland went on to become a two-time middleweight champion, regaining the belt from Khamzat Chimaev. This is a revenge fight four years in the making.

January can't come fast enough. The question is whether Strickland takes the money — or makes Imavov wait even longer. What's your call?