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Sean Strickland targets December return after shoulder injury

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 7:00 AM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Sean Strickland targets December return after shoulder injury

Summary

Sean Strickland plans to return to the Octagon in December following a right shoulder injury sustained after his victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 on May 9. Strickland, now the Middleweight champion, stated he aims to avoid gaining weight during recovery. This would mark his third fight of 2026, an unusually busy schedule for a champion facing injury. Speculation arises about potential opponents for his return, including a rematch with Chimaev or a title shot for Nassourdine Imavov. Strickland’s recent fights have drawn attention as he seeks to maintain an active fighting schedule despite the setback.

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Status Watch

•Strickland won the title after defeating Chimaev at UFC 328.
•He suffered a significant shoulder injury during the fight.
•Strickland aims for a December return to competition.
•He has already fought twice in 2026, an unusual frequency for a champion.
•Possible future opponents include Chimaev and Imavov.

Latest Updates

7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Sean Strickland Reveals Return Timeline

What they're saying

"
It’s been a little over a month since Sean Strickland shocked the world at UFC 328, dethroning Khamzat Chimaev in a competitive five-round battle (highlights here). Unfortunately, the victory did not come without a cost. In the immediate aftermath, Strickland revealed a significant shoulder injury on his right side, which perhaps explains why Strickland didn’t […]
— Yahoo Sports

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