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Sean Strickland Declines UFC 335 Main Event Due to Significant Pay Cut

For months, anticipation built around Sean Strickland defending his middleweight title against top contender Nassourdine Imavov at UFC 335, the organization’s final numbered event of the year. Strickland recently shocked fans by capturing the championship with a split decision win over Khamzat Chimaev, while Imavov boasts an impressive five-fight winning streak including victories over Jared Cannonier, Brendan Allen, Israel Adesanya, and Caio Borralho.

Despite these expectations, when UFC 335's fight card was revealed during UFC 332’s broadcast, the anticipated matchup was absent. Instead, the main event featured Charles Oliveira vs Diego Lopes for the BMF title, with Alex Pereira vs Sergei Pavlovich as the co-main event, leaving many wondering why Strickland-Imavov was missing.

Compensation Issues Halt Fight Agreement

Initial speculation pointed to an off-road vehicle accident involving Strickland as the cause of delay, but it turns out the primary problem was financial. Strickland himself confirmed ongoing pay negotiations, stating on September 27, "We're discussing pay now... Once that detail is squared, it's locked in. The issue is no one cares about the fake Frenchman. We're almost there." Unfortunately, talks broke down over a proposed pay cut from the UFC.

Details of the Pay Dispute

Usually, champions hold strong negotiating power right after winning a belt. After Strickland earned $1,082,000 for his UFC 328 victory over Chimaev, the UFC reportedly offered him less than half that amount for his next title defense against Imavov. The offer was said to be $400,000 to show and another $400,000 to win, totaling $800,000 if victorious.

Strickland wanted a guaranteed $1 million payout, reflecting his status as a two-time middleweight champion with a notable record. Only seventeen fighters have regained UFC championship gold in their divisions, with Petr Yan and Strickland being the latest to do so.

Future Prospects and Imavov’s Challenge

The UFC is likely to attempt booking this fight again, possibly in early 2027. Meanwhile, Imavov has grown impatient. He publicly challenged Strickland by offering to wager $500,000 of his own money on the bout happening, implying the champion might be avoiding the fight. On social media, Imavov wrote: "If it's really about money, I'll put $500k of my own money on the line if you beat me in January [Sean Strickland], putting this on record. If you still don't take it, then you're just scared. I'll handle you outside. UFC, THIS is your champ? Come on, STRIP HIM."

There’s no indication the UFC plans to accept such a wager, but negotiations remain open as they try to finalize Strickland's first title defense.

Match Details for Other Events on October 13 and 14

  • 10/13 8:00pm: Arsenal vs Lille
  • 10/13 8:00pm: Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United
  • 10/13 8:00pm: Inter Milan vs Club Brugge
  • 10/13 8:00pm: Galatasaray vs FC Barcelona
  • 10/13 8:00pm: RB Leipzig vs PSV Eindhoven
  • 10/13 8:00pm: Viking FK vs FC Barcelona
  • 10/13 8:00pm: Villarreal vs Napoli
  • 10/14 5:45pm: Feyenoord vs Como
  • 10/14 5:45pm: Linfield vs Liverpool
  • 10/14 8:00pm: Roma vs Real Madrid
  • 10/14 8:00pm: Astana vs Fenerbahce
  • 10/14 8:00pm: Bogota vs Borussia Dortmund
  • 10/14 8:00pm: Shakhtar Donetsk vs AEK Athens
  • 10/14 8:00pm: Manchester City vs PSG
  • 10/14 8:00pm: Betis vs Porto
  • 10/14 8:00pm: Sabadell vs Sturm Graz
  • 10/20 5:45pm: Sabadell vs Borussia Dortmund
  • 10/20 5:45pm: Fenerbahce vs Slavia Prague
  • 10/20 8:00pm: Roma vs Sabadell

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