Nassourdine Imavov lashed out at Sean Strickland in a recent YouTube video, going on to express his deep-rooted hatred for the current middleweight champion.

It’s been well over three years since Imavov and Strickland last fought. On the 14th of January, 2023, the two fighters in contrasting forms squared off at the UFC Apex.

Strickland, on a two-fight skid, beat Imavov, who was on a three-fight winning streak, via unanimous decision. Fast forward to today, the two fighters might soon have a rematch.

Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov (image via Getty)

While both fighters have had an upward surge since their last meeting, Strickland’s story has been clearly more eventful. He won the middleweight belt twice after that and is also the current holder of the 185lbs title. Imavov, on the other hand, never lost after that and is on a five-fight unbeaten run.

In a recent Q&A video with YouTuber Jaiden Cable, Imavov tore into Strickland, highlighting why a rematch against him will be ‘very personal.’ He said:

I do not like him…He’s not a good person. He talks sh*t every day.

He went on to explain his disdain for the middleweight champ:

We’ve had a fight before, where he insulted me several times. Even during the fight with Khamzat, he called me a terrorist. So much 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.

Check out Nassourdine Imavov’s comments below (Timestamp 5:40):

Nassourdine Imavov has a Timeline in Mind for Potential Rematch against Sean Strickland

Sean Strickland is currently nursing a shoulder injury, and Nassourdine Imavov has a timeline in mind for when his potential rematch against the champ will take place.

Citing Strickland’s recovery, Imavov said in the same Q&A session:

At the end of the year…He [Strickland] said he was hurt, and his comeback (probably in) December…I think the UFC will rush it, bring him in for October or November – this would be nice for me.

Strickland’s last win was against Khamzat Chimaev in May 2026, where he won the middleweight championship for the second time. Imavov, meanwhile, last fought in September 2025, beating Caio Borralho.

Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev (Image: @UFCEurope/Instagram)

Ian Shutts

A combat sports journalist specialising in MMA, Boxing and Muay Thai with a special interest in Asian combat sports.