Nassourdine Imavov is not holding back—he’s called out Sean Strickland, and his words are as sharp as his strikes. ‘I will leave him dead inside the cage,’ Imavov declared, leaving no room for doubt about his intentions. But what’s fueling this fiery challenge? Let’s dive into the story behind Imavov’s bold claim and the tangled web of UFC middleweight politics.
Imavov is crystal clear on two things: he’s next in line for the UFC middleweight title, and he’s itching for a rematch with Sean Strickland. After watching Strickland dominate Anthony Hernandez in the main event of UFC Houston, Imavov couldn’t stay silent. Despite entering the year as the division’s No. 1 contender with an impressive five-fight win streak, Imavov has heard whispers that Strickland’s victory might leapfrog him in the title conversation. And this is the part most people miss—Imavov isn’t just frustrated; he’s baffled by the logic.
‘Strickland lost to Dricus du Plessis, then beat Hernandez, whose best win was Roman Dolidze—someone I defeated four fights ago,’ Imavov pointed out in an interview with MMA Fighting. ‘How does one victory suddenly make him title-worthy? It doesn’t add up.’ Imavov’s frustration is palpable, but he’s not just complaining—he’s making a case for why he’s the rightful contender. With five wins in 18 months, including victories over three top-10 and two top-5 opponents, he argues, ‘Nobody has done what I’ve done. My next fight should be for the title—period.’
But here’s where it gets controversial—the UFC’s decision-making process has raised eyebrows lately. Critics slammed the promotion for its 2026 title fights, questioning why Paddy Pimblett and Diego Lopes got championship shots over more deserving fighters. Now, with Strickland—a former champ who lost to du Plessis and then took a year off—back in the spotlight, Imavov is calling foul. ‘It’s not just about entertainment,’ he insists. ‘This is a sport, and no one deserves the title more than me.’
Imavov isn’t just focused on Strickland, though. He’s got his eyes on the current champ, Khamzat Chimaev, and he’s not impressed by the hype surrounding a potential Strickland vs. Chimaev matchup. ‘If that fight happens, we all know how it ends,’ Imavov said. ‘Chimaev will take him down and choke him out in the first round. It’ll be a quick, anticlimactic fight.’ And this is the part most people miss—Imavov is challenging fans to think bigger. ‘Do you want a fight with trash talk and no substance, or a war between two respectful warriors who’ll leave everything in the cage?’ he asked. ‘Because me vs. Chimaev? That’s a fight no one will forget.’
If Strickland does get the title shot, Imavov’s stance is unwavering: ‘I’ll only fight for the belt,’ he declared. ‘I’ve proven I’m an active fighter, I’ve finished top contenders, and I’ve shown I belong at the top. The belt is all I’m after.’
Imavov’s callout of Strickland isn’t just about revenge—it’s personal. Their first fight, a short-notice light heavyweight bout in 2023, ended in Strickland’s favor, but Imavov is quick to dismiss it. ‘That wasn’t the real me,’ he said. ‘Now, I’m a different fighter, and everyone knows it. If we fight again, it’ll be fireworks. I hate him—his attitude, his words, everything. Inside the cage, it’ll be a war, and I’ll finish him.’
Here’s the burning question—if the UFC offered Imavov a choice between Chimaev and Strickland, who would he pick? ‘With the hate in my heart, it’s Strickland,’ he admitted. ‘I need to erase that loss and prove I’m better. But make no mistake, both fights would be wars. And against Strickland? I’ll leave him dead inside the cage.’
So, what do you think? Does Imavov deserve the title shot over Strickland? Or is the UFC right to consider other options? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
