UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has suggested he may be willing to give up his title to move up to the light heavyweight division. This comes amid ongoing discussions about a potential rematch with his rival Nassourdine Imavov, though a public financial dispute has currently blocked the fight from happening. The situation escalated on Wednesday when Strickland criticized the offer the UFC had reportedly made for him to face Imavov. He stated he would be open to relinquishing his belt and moving up to the light heavyweight division, which weighs 93 kilograms (205 pounds), as he finds it easier to lose weight in this category. Strickland has long been open to the idea of moving up in weight class, and he made his stance clear on social media. In response to a fan, he said he would not mind giving up his title to compete in the light heavyweight division. "Yep man, it wouldn't even bother me to give up my belt and go to 205. Easier cut…," Strickland wrote on X, referring to the weight limit of the light heavyweight division. @EuropaAeterna01 @jakepaul Yeah man I wouldn't even care to give up my belt and go to 205. Easier cut… — Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) October 7, 2026 <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> The comments reflect Strickland's focus on practicality and long-term career planning. While the rematch with Imavov remains in question due to financial disagreements, Strickland has signaled that he is willing to make adjustments to continue competing at a high level. His openness to moving up in weight class could influence future matchups and his overall trajectory in the UFC.