Sean Strickland is already looking toward the next top contender after edging Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328.
Strickland vs. Chimaev headlined UFC 328 after the promotion booked that matchup instead of a title fight with Nassourdine Imavov, who was described as the true No. 1-seeded contender before the event. UFC 328’s press conference generated very strong metrics, with Dana White saying the numbers were huge.
In the aftermath, Strickland acknowledged what may be next for him. “They say Nassourdine is next,” he said, before outlining his immediate plans. “I will take a little breather. I want to go support my boy Alex [Pereira] at the White House. I want to watch him make history and get that third belt.”
“Me and my girl have been in camp for over six months, and you guys know how camp is,” Strickland added. “We don’t do things on weekends, we don’t travel, we don’t go out to eat. She’s pretty much my dietitian. I am going to give her a break. Give me a little time, let my broken nose heal, and let’s get back in there and get some fights going.”
Strickland made it clear he’s willing to meet whoever sits atop the ladder. “I truly believe in UFC rankings,” he said. “I think they f--king matter. I hate when guys jump it. So, if that’s who the UFC [wants], if that’s the rankings, that’s who it is. Let’s go.”
Imavov, who has not fought since a Sept. 2025 win over Caio Borralho, kept it simple: “I’m gonna put your lights out.”
