UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is playing hard to get, and it’s led to his rivals Nassourdine Imavov and then Khamzat Chimaev offering to pay him huge sums of money to fight them next.

A title clash between Strickland and Imavov had been rumored to be the headliner for UFC 335 in December, but that never materialized, with there being talk that the champ was demanding more money than the UFC brass were willing pay.

However, the No.3 ranked contender Imavov is so eager to make the fight happen that he’s said he’d be willing to dig deep into his own pockets to get Strickland on-board.

“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,” Imavov wrote on X. “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.”

He’s not the only one though, as current No.1 contender Khamzat Chimaev lost the title to Strickland by split-decision back in May, and is now so eager to get revenge that he’s willing to double Imavov’s offer.

“Strickland I will pay you 1,” Khamzat wrote. “Send me location and let’s fight don’t care outside inside the cage.” 

So far Strickland hasn’t responded, but fans are hoping that one way or the other he does get back into the Octagon to defend the belt early next year.