Strickland's middleweight title defense timeline and contender positioning have driven trader consensus toward Nassourdine Imavov at 70% implied probability, as the French fighter publicly confirmed in July 2026 interviews that UFC officials told him he is next for the belt after staying active while awaiting the shot. Imavov, who lost a 2023 decision to Strickland at light heavyweight, has described the matchup as personal and is viewed as the most deserving based on recent form and ranking momentum. Khamzat Chimaev sits at 27.5% amid ongoing trash talk and his stated desire for a rematch following the May 2026 split-decision loss, though Strickland's shoulder recovery and preference for additional healing time have tempered immediate expectations. Dricus Du Plessis trails at 2.3% with fewer direct links to an imminent booking. The wisdom of crowds reflected in these prices underscores Imavov's edge in the current matchmaking landscape.