Top UFC middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov has revealed who he’s going to fight next.

The Russian-French fighter is riding a five-fight win streak and has defeated Caio Borralho, Israel Adesanya, Brendan Allen, and Joaquin Buckley, among others.

When Khamzat Chimaev was the UFC middleweight champion, “The Sniper” could have potentially fought him. But neither side was fully on board with the matchup due to the relationship between their countries, Dagestan and Chechnya.

Additionally, Imavov’s mother said she believes the fight shouldn’t happen because Chimaev is like a brother to her son.

Therefore, Imavov waited patiently, hoping Chimaev would defeat Sean Strickland at UFC 328 and vacate and move up. However, “Tarzan” dethroned “Borz,” after which the latter wanted an immediate title rematch.

However, there’s excellent news now from Nassourdine Imavov and bad news for Chimaev.

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – MAY 09: (R-L) Sean Strickland punches Khamzat Chimaev of Russia in the UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026, in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Nassourdine Imavov confirms next fight

During the UFC Paris Q&A, Nassourdine Imavov confirmed that he knows the date of his next fight, and it is for the title. He said:

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

Check out Nassourdine Imavov’s comments below:

Sources suggest that Sean Strickland will defend his title against Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC 335 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 12.

Imavov is determined to approach this rematch with seriousness. First, it’s for the UFC middleweight title; second, he wants revenge for his loss to Strickland in 2023; and third, he wants to make Strickland pay for the things he has said about the Muslim community, as well as about him and Chimaev.

Meanwhile, Chimaev wants to secure a win over a top contender next, after which he plans to take on the winner of a potential Chimaev vs. Strickland 2 bout. Most recently, during an interview with Ushatayka, the Chechen-born Emirati said that he won’t move up to 205 until he clears out the middleweight division.

Check out Khamzat Chimaev’s comments below:

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.