Opinion: Who should fight Sean Strickland next? Breaking down the UFC middleweight title picture

Dayne Fox Jun 26, 2026

Sean Strickland is escorted out after sneaking into UFC Freedom 250 Fan Fest | 📷: Johnny Bivera/Zuffa/Getty

Editor’s note: The views and opinions expressed below are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sherdog.com, its affiliates and sponsors or its parent company, Evolve Media.

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There’s always mystery and contention about the title picture of each division. Sometimes there’s an obvious candidate for who has next, but what frequently happens in those cases is what follows after the obvious candidate has challenged for the belt. Considering what unfolds and debating amongst friends is one of the more fun elements of being a fight fan.

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The Sean Strickland middleweight title picture after defeating Khamzat Chimaev

Perhaps the most contentious Ultimate Fighting Championship division at the moment is the middleweight. Sean Strickland recently dethroned the previously undefeated boogeyman Khamzat Chimaev to reclaim the throne he lost in 2024. It was a monumental upset as Chimaev looked untouchable in toppling Dricus Du Plessis, the man who took the strap from Strickland and managed to turn him away again in a rematch. It isn’t like those two are the only names that have a case to be made.

Given his name recognition, it seems Chimaev might have the inside track. However, his baggage continues to grow heavier with each passing year and the UFC may not be anxious to recommit to having a problem child as their champion again.

For instance, despite walking away from his contest with du Plessis unscathed, it took him almost nine months before he was ready to defend his belt for the first time. I understand he had a foot surgery at the end of 2025, but these long delays are becoming a habit. The last time Chimaev fought more than once in a year was 2022, a period that should have been his prime fighting years as Chimaev is now 32. If he couldn’t manage to fight more than once every 12 months in what was his peak, would it be wise to trust he’d be able to fight with greater frequency as age is likely to become his enemy?

The fact that Chimaev seems more preoccupied with accolade over accomplishment doesn’t help either. If I’m being fair, that’s hardly an issue isolated to him, but Chimaev was talking about moving up to light heavyweight to challenge Alex Pereira even before he’d defended his middleweight title. Taking his eye off the ball to focus on the next shiny object he could snag was part of the reason Chimaev fell to Strickland. It’s no secret his weight cut was disastrous -- which is why he originally said he was done fighting at 185 immediately after the fight -- and it’s hard to believe it had nothing to do with him looking beyond Strickland. Plus, who is to say Chimaev doesn’t immediately look at 205 again if he manages to avenge his loss to Strickland? As badly as the UFC needs stable champions at this point, I don’t think that’s all that appealing.

Chimaev, du Plessis, Imavov or Someone Else? Strickland's Next Opponent Is Up for Debate

Despite Chimaev already showing he has little interest in proving he deserves to remain champion, he’s still a more attractive option than du Plessis... at least in the immediate. Du Plessis has been generally entertaining, but the two snoozers he’s produced have both come against Strickland. The level of interest in seeing those two clash in a third contest can’t get any lower. Yet, it could very much be a real possibility.

Du Plessis has a main event contest with Kamaru Usman on the horizon at UFC Oklahoma. If he’s able to win impressively, his two wins over Strickland could give him some bragging rights over Chimaev. After all, du Plessis proved willing to defend his title on the regular, something the UFC is struggling to get any of their champs to do. Someone who is usually a solid bet to put on an entertaining contest in addition to showing up? That probably sounds mighty appealing right now.

Or... there’s the wild card in the situation too. Unfortunately for Nassourdine Imavov, the UFC doesn’t appear to have an interest in providing him an opportunity to become champion. Imavov is presently tied for the longest winning streak in the division at five. Unlike Ateba Abega Gautier, Imavov is knocking off actual contenders. In fact, prior to Strickland upending Anthony Hernandez and cutting a memorable promo on Khamzat, Imavov appeared to be the top contender. Of course, Imavov didn’t do himself any favors by expressing an interest in fighting Strickland after the promo rather than wanting a shot at the title. That proved a poor play for the Russian and the UFC was more than happy to not give him the title shot if he wasn’t expressing interest in that.

While it could be argued Imavov would be getting what he wants now in a contest with Strickland, it’s worth noting he already fought him and came up short early in 2023. Having little to offer in terms of personality is hurting even worse. Imavov should have been as annoying as possible about having next once Strickland dethroned Chimaev. He did claim about a month ago the UFC already promised him the next title shot, but we all know the UFC has broken many promises when they’ve seen something that glistens even more than what is sitting immediately in front of them. Imavov would be foolish to think the UFC is going to hold tight, especially when Strickland seems unlikely to fight again within this calendar year. That’s a lot of time for something new to develop.

The UFC Has a Strickland Problem... and It's a Good One

There’s a question of what Strickland wants too. He’s largely been a good soldier for the UFC -- his UFC White House stunt notwithstanding -- and that might get him a say in what happens. Given his win over Imavov, that may boost Imavov’s chances as Strickland may see him as the easiest opponent. Then again, the champ typically hasn’t vocalized a preferred opponent unless it’s for the title. Now that he’s on top, it’s likely he remains quiet.

Given we’re months away from the middleweight title being up for grabs, a lot could change. It’s plausible Usman upsets du Plessis in a couple of weeks and the UFC opts to fast track the former welterweight king into a title shot. After all, Usman has a victory over Strickland. Regardless, for all the speculation on what comes next at 185, there’s no way to completely know what the UFC will do next. Regardless, it sure is fun to speculate. « Previous UFC Azerbaijan, PFL San Diego Prime Picks: Why A.J. McKee could be the weekend's best MMA bet Next UFC Baku weigh-in results: 13 fights set » More

Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'

Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.

The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.

Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.

But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.

'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.

'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'

The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.

Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'

A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs

Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts

But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'

A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.

'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.

Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.

'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.

'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.

'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.

'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'

'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.

'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'

Venezuela Fury and Noah Price subsidising their life by livestreaming

Venezuela Fury and her husband Noah Price look to be making their own way in the world by raking it in from their lucrative social media accounts.

The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury, 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year.

Since getting married and moving in together the couple have been earning thousands of pounds a month, livestreaming their life as newlyweds in their static caravan in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

And fans can't get enough of their regular life updates on TikTok and Kick, which have proved to be very profitable for the pair.

They look to be supporting themselves after Noah denied that he was given £5million by Venezuela's family as a wedding gift.

Despite his wife's huge family wealth, an estimated combined £160 million, Noah recently told his Kick followers that he 'pays for everything' for the couple.

Making light of the claims about Venezuela's millionaire financial status, Noah said: 'I actually pay for everything unfortunately. You'd expect the millionaire to pay for it wouldn't you.'

Venezuela Fury and Noah Price are earning thousands livestreaming their caravan life - after her new groom insisted he pays all the bills and denied he had £5m handout from her dad

The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury , 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year

Venezuela then asked their fans: 'Do you think I am a millionaire?'

Noah joked: 'She isn't a secret millionaire guys', before she broke into song and sang: 'But I live like a millionaire!'

But it seems according to estimated calculations from their social media work, Noah and Venezuela can more than afford to support themselves.

Noah has been livestreaming on platforms such as Kick and TikTok, where viewers can send paid gifts or donations.

He was previously encouraging viewers to send gifts on his honeymoon during livestreams, suggesting this is one revenue stream.

Both Noah and Venezuela have built substantial followings on Instagram and TikTok. They can potentially earn money through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate links and creator payouts.

Kick allows its creators to take home 95 per cent of the £4.99 subscription cost that fans pay.

Streamers keep 100 per cent of direct tips and donations, minus minor standard payment processing fees.

It is unclear how many subscribers Noah currently has because this information is hidden, but he does have 7,200 followers which is publicly viewable.

An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million.

An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million

In one video on their honeymoon, Noah asked his followers if they'd give them some more gifts now that they were married.

In a TikTok live viewed by 20,000 he said: 'Keep liking our videos people, keep sending gifts.'

After saying thank you to several of his followers he joked they should stick around on the livestream and 'watch Venezuela punch me in the mouth'.

The other half of the honeymooning couple said: 'I am, honestly!'

Noah previously confirmed that the pair don't share their finances after they were asked whether they have a shared bank account.

'She earns her money, I earn mine,' said Noah, as Venezuela joked: 'Yeah, what you gonna do about it.'

Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'.

Meanwhile Venezuela is being eyed up by executives for a fly on the wall TV series.

Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'

Boasting 1.3 million TikTok followers, Venezuela is already entertaining fans with her honest musings and candid moments, from cooking to kitting out her and Noah's static caravan home.

And following the success of the Netflix series At Home With The Furys, it is no wonder bosses are wanting to draw on the Fury popularity.

A TV insider said: 'The couple are not A-list celebrities but everyone has become obsessed with their love story.

'People are genuinely intrigued by them. Whether it’s the fact they have married so young, Venezuela’s famous family or their gypsy lifestyle, they have the ‘X factor'.

'Several TV executives think a proper fly-on-the-wall series following their lives as newlyweds in the gypsy community would be fascinating,' they told The Sun.

It is thought Netflix would be likely to produce the series due to their already established relationship with the Furys.

Venezuela's representatives told The Daily Mail: 'We have many offers on the table regarding Venezuela which we are discussing.'