Sean Strickland Says He Wants to Box Under Zuffa
Sean Strickland says he wants a boxing move under Zuffa after defending his UFC middleweight title.
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Sean Strickland says he wants to move into boxing, ideally under the Zuffa banner that now runs the UFC's boxing ventures. The two-time UFC middleweight champion posted the declaration on X, writing, "I love MMA but I want to box... Prefer Zuffa but if they cant make that happen."
Why This Matters Right Now
Strickland is coming off reclaiming the 185-pound title in May with a win over Khamzat Chimaev, and he is expected to run it back against Nassourdine Imavov in his next title defense. That timing makes this less about an active plan and more about Strickland putting a marker down for later. He is not walking away from the Octagon. He is telling the promotion, and the fans, that boxing is on his wish list once the Imavov business is settled.
Strickland has always fought like a boxer who wandered into MMA. His entire game is built on volume punching, head movement and forward pressure, the exact tool kit that translates to the ring. That is likely why he feels confident floating this now rather than waiting until his MMA run winds down.
What It Means for Bettors
There is no fight, no date and no opponent attached to this yet, so there is nothing to price. But the timing is worth watching for anyone who follows the Zuffa Boxing crossover market. If the promotion books crossover boxing cards involving current UFC stars, a name like Strickland, who already carries a following and a title, would likely open as a solid favorite against most first-time or transitional opponents once matched, given his volume and durability inside the cage. Nothing there yet to bet, but it is a thread worth watching once Imavov is behind him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Sean Strickland announce a boxing fight?
No. Sean Strickland said on social media that he wants to box, preferably under the Zuffa banner, but no fight, date or opponent has been set.
Who is Sean Strickland fighting next in the UFC?
Sean Strickland is rumored to be defending his UFC middleweight title in a rematch against Nassourdine Imavov after reclaiming the belt from Khamzat Chimaev in May.
