The No. 2-ranked UFC middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov, who’s using a five-fight win streak, has revealed that his combat with champion Khamzat Chimaev was focused for December 2025, then February 2026. Nevertheless, the bout didn’t materialize regardless of the preliminary talks attributable to Chimaev’s damage.
The Chechen-born Emirati has a minor foot damage for which he needed to endure surgical procedure. Following restoration, he’s anticipated to make his first title protection post-Ramadan.
Imavov was referred to as out by “Borz” beforehand, who requested him to work on his wrestling earlier than they doubtlessly lock horns.
Lately, “The Sniper” appeared in an interview with MMA Combating, the place he revealed that the UFC brass are fascinated about giving him the following title shot. Nevertheless, thus far, nothing has been finalized, and no contracts have been signed. He stated:
“So, no ultimate information but, no contract signed. One of many final discussions I had was with Hunter Campbell and Mick Maynard throughout UFC Qatar, they usually informed me that they need to schedule the combat in opposition to Khamzat for December, then for February. However Khamzat received injured… We spoke just lately with matchmaker Mick Maynard, they usually need to see the combat occur, however nothing is confirmed but. No ultimate approval.”
Take a look at Nassourdine Imavov’s feedback beneath:
In the identical interview, Imavov revealed that his crew’s final dialog with the UFC matchmakers concerning the Chimaev combat was earlier than Sean Strickland’s large 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 direction of “Borz,” Imavov, and the Muslim neighborhood.
In a current interview with MMA Combating, “The Sniper” stated that if given the prospect, he needs to run it again with Sean Strickland, get the win again, make Strickland eat his personal phrases, after which come again and fight 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 useless contained in the cage.”
Take a look at Nassourdine Imavov’s feedback beneath:
