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The UFC middleweight division could soon have one of its biggest fights of the year. Nassourdine Imavov has revealed that he expects to challenge reigning champion Sean Strickland for the UFC middleweight title in either October or November, setting up a high stakes rematch fueled by championship ambitions and genuine personal animosity.
While the UFC has yet to officially announce the contest, Imavov says the promotion has already made its intentions clear. If the matchup is finalized, it would headline one of the UFC’s final major events of the year and reshape the future of one of the promotion’s deepest weight classes.
Nassourdine Imavov says the UFC promised him the next title shot
Imavov has spent months waiting for his opportunity despite remaining one of the division’s hottest contenders. During a recent interview with Jaiden Cable, the French standout explained that he had initially asked the UFC for a fight against former champion Dricus du Plessis to remain active before Sean Strickland faced Khamzat Chimaev.
Instead, the promotion reportedly advised him to stay patient.
“Before Khamzat fought Strickland, I told the UFC I wanted to fight DDP to stay active, but they said, ‘Your next fight will be for the title.’ We will probably fight near the end of the year. I think the UFC will try to push for October or November,” Imavov said.
The 31 year old later reinforced that message by stating,
“My next fight is for the belt. After Khamzat versus Strickland, I’m 100 percent fighting for the belt.”
Those comments strongly suggest that the UFC views Imavov as the leading challenger despite Khamzat Chimaev pushing for an immediate rematch after losing the championship.
A rivalry that goes far beyond the title
The championship stakes are significant, but the hostility between the two fighters has become an equally compelling storyline.
Strickland defeated Nassourdine Imavov by unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 67 in January 2023. Since then, Imavov has rebuilt his career in impressive fashion while his relationship with the outspoken American has only deteriorated.
Speaking about the champion, Imavov did not hide his feelings.
“I do not like Strickland. He’s not a good person. He talks shit every day. During the fight week with Khamzat, he called me a terrorist. It’s hard not to want to rip his head off. It’s a very personal fight.”
The remarks reflect the tension that has developed over the past few years and add another dimension to a contest that already carries championship implications.
Imavov has earned another shot
Nassourdine Imavov enters the potential title fight on the best run of his UFC career. Since suffering his only loss in the last several years against Strickland, the French contender has put together a remarkable five fight winning streak.
His resurgence includes victories over some of the division’s toughest opponents. Imavov stopped former title challenger Jared Cannonier, knocked out former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, and most recently earned a decision victory over highly regarded Brazilian contender Caio Borralho.
The streak has firmly established him as one of the division’s elite competitors and strengthened his case for a championship opportunity.
At 17 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no contest in his professional MMA career, Imavov has steadily developed into one of the most technically complete middleweights on the UFC roster.
Sean Strickland has plenty of challengers waiting
Although Nassourdine Imavov appears to be the frontrunner, the middleweight title picture remains crowded.
Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight championship after defeating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, a performance that immediately sparked debate over who deserved the next title shot. Chimaev has publicly called for an immediate rematch, while former champion Dricus du Plessis recently returned to winning ways with a victory over Kamaru Usman.
Despite those options, Strickland has reportedly expressed support for facing Imavov next, a move that would settle unfinished business between the two competitors while rewarding one of the division’s most consistent contenders.
A defining fight for the middleweight division
If the UFC officially books Sean Strickland versus Nassourdine Imavov for later this year, the contest will carry consequences well beyond the championship.
For Strickland, a successful title defense would further cement his place among the division’s elite while silencing another top challenger. For Imavov, victory would complete a remarkable turnaround after his defeat to Strickland and crown him as the new UFC middleweight champion.
With an established history, a five fight winning streak, and genuine personal tension between the fighters, the matchup has all the ingredients of a headline event. As the UFC finalizes its schedule for the closing months of the year, the middleweight title picture appears to be moving toward one of its most anticipated rematches.
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