“It is for the title”: Nassourdine Imavov confirms next UFC fight will be for middleweight gold

Rumors were swirling that Nassourdine Imavov might have earned the title shot against UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland. Recently, Imavov himself addressed the rumors and confirmed that his next challenge is for the UFC gold. 

Nassourdine Imavov confirms he is next in line for UFC middleweight title shot

Imavov has long been in the mix for the title shot before Strickland got the chance to fight Khamzat Chimaev, where he reclaimed the middleweight title. Many felt that the French contender should have one to fight for UFC gold. 

Since then, pundits and fans have been heavily linking Imavov to a potential title fight against Strickland. And it's seen that he finally got the chance he deserved and has confirmed his next fight. 

UFC is returning to Paris this weekend for the Fight Night that is headlined by a lightweight bout between Dan Hooker and Salahdine Parnasse during weigh-ins in the backstage area. Imavov sat down with RMC Sport Combat. He revealed that he already knows when he will return to the octagon and, more importantly, confirmed that the fight will be for the UFC middleweight championship.

“I know the date for my next fight, and it is for the title,” Imavov said. 

Check out Nassourdine Imavov’s comments below, translated via champ.rds:

’The Sniper’ has declined to disclose the date and location of the fight against Strickland, but rumors are that they will be headlining UFC 335, which will go down in December at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. 

Now, Chimaev, who was calling for a rematch against Strickland after losing his belt to him at UFC 328, has reacted to the possibility of Imavov getting the opportunity to fight for the belt. 

Khamzat Chimaev backs Nassourdine Imavov for title shot and targets the winner

Chimaev, who is set to face former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in a RAF wrestling match, was asked for his thoughts on rumors that Strickland is defending his title against Imavov. 

The Chechen-born admitted that he is not surprised, as he feels Imavov is the rightful contender, and he has expressed his desire to fight the winner of the title fight. 

“No, there’s no surprise,” Chimaev told Ushatayka. “How long has Imavov been waiting now? Probably around two years. He’s already the contender. Whoever wins, we’ll take him.”

Check out Khamzat Chimaev’s comments below: