Sean Strickland supports Nassourdine Imavov as first UFC title defense
Sean Strickland thinks the UFC rankings "f*cking matter," and therefor Nassourdine Imavov should be his first challenger.
Sean Strickland wants his second UFC title reign to be a meritocracy and therefor, Nassourdine Imavov should be his first challenger. Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) reclaimed the middleweight title at UFC 328 on Saturday with a split decision upset over Khamzat Chimaev (15-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC). He sustained a nose injury in the fight, but once he heals, said he would be prepared to put his new belt up for grabs.
Who should be the man to fight for it, though? Strickland said he wants to abide by the UFC rankings, and Imavov, who he has already beat, is the highest ranked name not coming off a loss. "I truly believe in UFC rankings," Strickland told MMA Junkie at the UFC 328 post-fight news conference.
"I think they f*cking matter. I hate when guys jump it. So if that's who the UFC (want).
If that's the rankings. That's who it is. Let's go.