Nassourdine
Imavov is confident about his next opponent in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The French middleweight recently revealed on Jaiden Cable’s YouTube
channel that UFC officials have assured him he’ll receive the next
crack at the 185-pound title following Sean
Strickland’s championship-winning victory over Khamzat
Chimaev at
UFC 328.
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Nassourdine Imavov says UFC middleweight title fight with Sean
Strickland is next after UFC 328
Imavov wants to avenge his 2023 loss to Strickland, especially
considering he doesn’t like the outspoken and polarizing
American.
“I don’t like him. It’s personal between me and him,” Imavov said
of Strickland. “The UFC told me my next fight would be for the
belt.”
Imavov revealed that he was initially willing to remain active by
accepting a bout against former champion Dricus Du
Plessis before the promotion informed him to wait for a title
opportunity instead. If those plans remain intact, Imavov expects
the championship clash against Strickland to take place later this
year, with October or November the likely target.
“He’s not a good person,” Imavov added. “He talks sh*t every day
and it’s very personal now.”
Since his defeat to Strickland, Imavov has compiled an impressive
win streak, bagging wins against Roman
Dolidze, Jared
Cannonier, Brendan
Allen, Israel
Adesanya and Caio
Borralho. Meanwhile, Strickland reclaimed the middleweight
title with his win over Chimaev, who’s also calling for a rematch
with the reigning champ.