There was a lot of criticism when UFC decided to slot Sean Strickland against Khamzat Chimaev for UFC 328, overlooking true No. 1 contender Nassourdine Imavov in the process. But it’s hard to say the promotion was wrong after this weekend’s results: The UFC 328 press conference did massive numbers, bigger than any in years. UFC CEO Dana White said the event metrics were huge. And Strickland went and beat Chimaev via split decision, proving he was worthy of the shot after all.
Now “Tarzan” says he hopes the UFC goes back to more traditional matchmaking where the top guy in the ranking fights the champion. That would be Imavov, coincidentally a guy that Strickland already beat back in 2023.
“They say Nassourdine is next,” Strickland said at the UFC 328 post-fight press conference. “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. 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.”
“I truly believe in UFC rankings,” he added. “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 hasn’t fought since a September 2025 win over Caio Borralho, showed his interest by tweeting “I’m gonna put your lights out.”
“F–king Nassourdine, are you really getting me on this f–king racism again?”” Strickland responded. “No, I can’t avoid the racism, come on.”
