Strickland vs Imavov Targeted for UFC 337 Title Fight in February 2027

Sean Strickland's next middleweight title defence is reportedly taking shape, with the champion targeted to face Nassourdine Imavov at UFC 337 in February 2027. The fight has not yet been confirmed, but reports on Thursday said contracts are being finalised, bringing an end to a period of uncertainty around the champion's return. Strickland has not competed since beating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, and his planned title defence against Imavov at UFC 335 failed to materialise. Earlier this month the champion spoke publicly about his frustrations with the UFC over his contract, before securing a new six-fight deal reportedly worth more than $1 million per fight. That agreement appears to have cleared the way for the Imavov booking to be revisited. Imavov arrives as a credible challenger, coming off a win over Caio Borralho at UFC Paris, and the pair have history: they last met in January 2023. The February date would give both men a full camp and would headline a card still taking shape, with further details pending. For now, the booking remains reported rather than official, and the UFC has yet to announce a venue. But if the contracts are signed as expected, Strickland will put his belt on the line against the French contender in the first major title fight of 2027.