The No. 2-ranked UFC middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov, who’s driving a five-fight win streak, has revealed that his battle with champion Khamzat Chimaev was focused for December 2025, then February 2026. Nevertheless, the bout didn’t materialize regardless of the preliminary talks on account of Chimaev’s damage.
The Chechen-born Emirati has a minor foot damage for which he needed to bear surgical procedure. Following restoration, he’s anticipated to make his first title protection post-Ramadan.
Imavov was known as out by “Borz” beforehand, who requested him to work on his wrestling earlier than they probably lock horns.
Lately, “The Sniper” appeared in an interview with MMA Preventing, the place he revealed that the UFC brass are enthusiastic about giving him the subsequent title shot. Nevertheless, so far, nothing has been finalized, and no contracts have been signed. He stated:
“So, no remaining information but, no contract signed. One of many final discussions I had was with Hunter Campbell and Mick Maynard throughout UFC Qatar, they usually instructed me that they wish to schedule the battle in opposition to Khamzat for December, then for February. However Khamzat obtained injured… We spoke lately with matchmaker Mick Maynard, they usually wish to see the battle occur, however nothing is confirmed but. No remaining approval.”
Take a look at Nassourdine Imavov’s feedback under:
In the identical interview, Imavov revealed that his workforce’s final dialog with the UFC matchmakers concerning the Chimaev battle was earlier than Sean Strickland’s huge win at UFC Houston.
Nassourdine Imavov needs to run it again with Sean Strickland
This previous weekend, after Sean Strickland returned to successful methods by dismantling Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston, he wasted no time in calling out Khamzat Chimaev.
Nevertheless, Imavov, who misplaced to Sean Strickland in 2023, has a strained relationship with “Tarzan” largely fueled by the latter’s controversial remarks aimed in the direction of “Borz,” Imavov, and the Muslim neighborhood.
In a latest interview with MMA Preventing, “The Sniper” stated that if given the possibility, he needs to run it again with Sean Strickland, get the win again, make Strickland eat his personal phrases, after which come again and battle for the UFC middleweight title.
“I hate him. I don’t like the best way he speaks. I don’t like the best way he thinks. I don’t like the best way he speaks about my folks… I’ll depart him lifeless contained in the cage.”
Take a look at Nassourdine Imavov’s feedback under:
