Overview
- Late June, Strickland told fans on X that he is aiming to return in December while he rehabs a shoulder injury.
- Reports say Strickland fought through a small tear at UFC 328 and expects several months off to heal, which limits an immediate rematch.
- The UFC has not yet confirmed an opponent and is weighing options after president Dana White earlier named Imavov as next in line but said the matchmakers are still deciding.
- Nassourdine Imavov has pressed for the title shot on the strength of a multi-fight winning streak and recent wins over Caio Borralho and Israel Adesanya.
- Media outlets are projecting a December numbered card in Las Vegas as the likely venue for Strickland’s first defense, a choice that would balance sporting merit with box-office appeal.