SerpApi.Org
Has Nassourdine Imavov's inactivity been by design?
Imavov (17-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) hasn't competed since extending his winning streak to five when he defeated Caio Borralho at UFC Fight Night 258 this past September. However, he was passed up for a title opportunity when the promotion opted to book Khamzat Chimaev (15-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) against Sean Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) at UFC 328.
Strickland upset Chimaev to claim the UFC middleweight title, and Imavov said he's been told that he's next.
"Of course, my next fight is (for) the belt," Imavov said in an interview with Jaiden Cable. "Before the fight with Strickland and Khamzat, I wanted to fight Dricus (Du Plessis) to stay active, and the UFC told me I could fight only for the belt. After Khamzat vs. Strickland, I'm 100 percent fighting for the belt."
Imavov will look to avenge his 2023 loss to Strickland, which took place on short notice at light heavyweight. Imavov is known to be mild mannered – but not when it comes to Strickland.
"I do not like him," Imavov said of Strickland. "He's not a good person. He talks sh*t every day. We already fought before, and he insulted me several times. Even during his fight week with Khamzat, he called me a terrorist. It's such bullsh*t that it's hard not to want to rip his head off. It's very personal. I think he's the only fighter in the UFC where it's so personal."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Nassourdine Imavov '100 percent' sure he's fighting Sean Strickland for UFC title
