Nassourdine Abdoulazimovich Imavov Bio
Nassourdine Abdoulazimovich Imavov is a French professional mixed martial artist competing in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on March 1, 1995, in Khasavyurt, Dagestan, Russia, Imavov has built a reputation for his boxing skills and versatile fighting style, establishing himself as a top contender in the UFC middleweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Imavov was born to an ethnic Kumyk family in Khasavyurt, Dagestan, Russia. At the age of nine, he moved with his family to Salon-de-Provence, France, where he began boxing. This early exposure to combat sports laid the foundation for his future career in mixed martial arts.
At 19, Imavov relocated to Paris with his older brother Daguir to pursue MMA more seriously. They joined Fernand Lopez’s MMA Factory, a well-known training camp, where Imavov honed his skills and prepared for professional competition.
Path to MMA
Imavov began his professional MMA career in 2016, initially competing in the welterweight division. Early in his career, he achieved an 8–2 record and captured the Thunderstrike Fight League Welterweight Championship. His notable victory over former UFC welterweight Jonathan Meunier at ARES FC 1 in December 2019 helped raise his profile.
In 2019, Imavov transitioned to the middleweight division, where he currently competes. His move to Paris and training at MMA Factory were pivotal in his development, providing access to high-level coaching and competition opportunities.
Nassourdine Imavov Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
Starting his professional career in 2016, Imavov quickly made a name for himself with a strong striking base and athleticism. During this period, he compiled an 8–2 record and won the Thunderstrike Fight League Welterweight Championship. His victory over Jonathan Meunier at ARES FC 1 was a highlight, showcasing his ability to finish fights decisively.
Imavov trained with MMA Factory during these formative years, developing a well-rounded skill set that combined boxing and grappling techniques. This foundation prepared him for the challenges of competing at the highest levels of MMA.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2020–Present)
Imavov made his UFC debut on October 4, 2020, against Jordan Williams, winning by unanimous decision. Despite a setback against Phil Hawes in February 2021, he rebounded with impressive victories over Ian Heinisch and Edmen Shahbazyan later that year, both by technical knockout.
In 2022, Imavov continued to build momentum with a unanimous decision win over Joaquin Buckley. Although he faced a loss against Sean Strickland at light heavyweight in early 2023, he remained a formidable competitor in the middleweight division. A no contest against Chris Curtis in June 2023 was followed by a return to form with a majority decision win over Roman Dolidze in February 2024.
Imavov’s recent victories include a technical knockout over Jared Cannonier in June 2024 and a unanimous decision win against Brendan Allen in September 2024. His career-defining moment came in February 2025 when he defeated former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya by technical knockout, earning his first Performance of the Night award. He followed this with a unanimous decision win over Caio Borralho in September 2025.
Venum Training Camp Era (2023–Present)
At the end of 2023, Imavov left MMA Factory and joined Venum Training Camp to train under Nicolas Ott. This move marked a new chapter in his career, aiming to refine his skills and compete at an even higher level. Since joining Venum, Imavov has maintained strong performances and notable wins, solidifying his position among the UFC’s elite middleweights.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Standing 6-foot-3 with a 191 cm reach, Imavov is known for his orthodox stance and exceptional boxing skills. He combines steady, precise striking with effective grappling, excelling at maintaining distance and using footwork to set up powerful punches. His style includes a bouncy, side-on stance, quick jabs, and the ability to close distance for clinch work and knees. Imavov’s versatility allows him to adapt to opponents, making him a well-rounded and dangerous fighter.
Notable Events and Milestones
Imavov’s victory over Israel Adesanya in February 2025 stands out as a career milestone, marking his arrival as a top contender in the UFC middleweight division. This win earned him his first Performance of the Night bonus and elevated his ranking to #2 in the division as of August 2025. Throughout his career, Imavov has demonstrated resilience and skill, overcoming setbacks and consistently improving his craft.
Nassourdine Imavov Career Wins
As of 2025, Nassourdine Imavov holds a professional MMA record of 17 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no contest. His victories include 7 by knockout, 1 by submission, 3 by decision, and 1 by disqualification, reflecting his diverse finishing ability and competitive edge.
UFC Highlights
Imavov’s UFC tenure features several notable wins, including his debut victory over Jordan Williams and knockout wins against Ian Heinisch and Edmen Shahbazyan. His recent triumph over Israel Adesanya is a defining moment, showcasing his growth and potential to contend for the middleweight title. Imavov has also demonstrated consistency with decision wins over Joaquin Buckley and Brendan Allen.
Other Wins and Performances
Before joining the UFC, Imavov captured the Thunderstrike Fight League Welterweight Championship and secured a significant first-round victory over Jonathan Meunier at ARES FC 1. These achievements helped establish his reputation and paved the way for his UFC career.
Nassourdine Imavov Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Imavov comes from an ethnic Kumyk family in Dagestan, Russia. While specific details about his family are limited, his move to France with his family during childhood was crucial for his development as a fighter.
Personal Life
Imavov resides in Paris, France, where he continues to train and compete. Public information about his personal relationships or children is not available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Nassourdine Imavov has solidified his status as a top contender in the UFC middleweight division. His victory over Israel Adesanya in February was a career highlight, earning him a Performance of the Night award and boosting his ranking. He continued his strong form with a unanimous decision win over Caio Borralho in September. Training at Venum Training Camp under Nicolas Ott, Imavov has shown improved skills and strategic growth. His momentum positions him as a serious threat in upcoming title contention discussions.