Top UFC middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov doesn’t plan on squashing any beef with Sean Strickland if the champ makes it personal.

Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight throne with a stunning win over Khamzat Chimaev last weekend at UFC 328. After five rounds of back-and-forth action, Strickland got the split decision nod on the judges’ scorecards to hand Chimaev his first-career defeat inside the Octagon.

As Strickland got the belt wrapped up around his waist by Chimaev, top contender Nassourdine Imavov stood cageside to get a glimpse at his likely next opponent. After a week full of bad blood between Chimaev and Strickland, the two middleweights squashed their beef and even exchanged pleasantries and sportsmanship throughout the bout.

Chimaev’s decision to squash his beef with Strickland came despite several controversial remarks from the new champ, including attacks against his family and religion. While Imavov was surprised that Strickland came out with the win, he promised to ‘knock the lights out’ of his former rival in a potential rematch.

Nassourdine Imavov sends chilling warning to Sean Strickland after ‘racism’ hints

During his UFC 328 post-fight press conference, Strickland didn’t answer fondly to Imavov’s callout.

“F***** Nassourdine…you’re really going to get me on this f***** racism thing again?” Strickland said of Imavov.

“No guys, I can’t stop the racism.”

In a recent tweet, Imavov responded to Strickland’s controversial post-fight comments.

😭 Sean Strickland refused to respond to Nassourdine Imavov’s callout:

Sean: “You gonna put me on racism again, that’s what you trying huh?”

Reporter: “Let’s avoid the racism.”

Sean: “Nuh guys, come on, I can’t about racism.”

(via @home_of_fight & @JakeNoecker) pic.twitter.com/pLR6PbTaMK

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 10, 2026

“They say I take things too personally. Damn right. Religion, family, nation. These aren’t marketing to me,” Imavov said of Strickland.

“Every insult comes with a price. You’ll pay for it! NO HAPPY ENDING.”

Imavov makes a strong case for a middleweight title shot after recent wins over Caio Borralho and Israel Adesanya. In their first matchup in a short-notice light heavyweight fight, Strickland outpointed Imavov to earn a unanimous decision win in January 2023.

What are your thoughts on a potential Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov rematch? Let us know in the comments!