NASSOURDINE IMAVOV OFFERS $500,000 TO FACE SEAN STRICKLAND

Nassourdine Imavov has offered to stake $500,000 of his own money on a fight with Sean Strickland, after a social media user claimed Strickland had demanded $1 million to face him in a bout targeted for 16 January at UFC 336. The same post claimed the UFC had offered Strickland $400,000 to show and $400,000 to win. Strickland has neither confirmed nor denied the figures. Posting on X, Imavov said he would put up the money "if you beat me in January," warning that if Strickland still refused, it would show he was "scared." Imavov added he would "handle" the matter "outside" and asked, "THIS is your champ? Come on, STRIP HIM," alongside the hashtag #NoHappyEnding.

Imavov, who is French-Dagestani, is pursuing the fight in order to salvage his chances of a future title opportunity, according to reporting on the dispute. The proposed bout is tied to UFC 336, with 16 January cited as the event's target date. Neither the UFC nor Strickland has publicly confirmed the purse figures or that a rematch has been agreed. The $1 million and $400,000 sums circulating online originate from the social media claim rather than from either fighter or the promotion itself.

Strickland has yet to respond publicly to Imavov's offer or confirm whether he accepts the proposed terms. Imavov's pledge adds a financial element to the push for Strickland to accept or decline the matchup publicly. Should the fight proceed as targeted, it would see Imavov's bid for a future title opportunity tested against Strickland at UFC 336 on 16 January. No venue, broadcast details or signed contracts for the bout have been confirmed publicly.