Nassourdine Imavov is determined to avenge his loss to Sean Strickland from early 2023, intensifying his pursuit of a revenge bout in the UFC middleweight division. Ranked number two in the division, Imavov has remained undefeated since that defeat and is preparing for a possible title fight against reigning champion Khamzat Chimaev, expected to be Chimaev’s first title defense upon his return.
A French fighter with Dagestani roots, Imavov has distinguished himself through a blend of wrestling and striking—two skill sets rarely combined as effectively by fighters from his region. Since losing to Strickland on January 14, 2023, at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, Imavov has focused on sharpening his skills and pursuing a rematch with the American fighter, who won by unanimous decision in a light heavyweight bout after five rounds.
History of the Bout and Strickland’s Recent Performance
Imavov’s clash with Strickland came after Kelvin Gastelum withdrew due to injury, leading Imavov to step in on short notice. Since that loss, Strickland experienced significant shifts in his career. He captured the middleweight title from Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in 2023 but then lost it to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297, losing again in their rematch at UFC 312 in early 2025. Strickland is scheduled to return on February 21, 2026, against Anthony Hernandez, with the UFC recently highlighting his victory over Imavov, further motivating the French fighter to pursue a rematch.
Make no mistakes, under normal conditions, I’ll crush this guy! Mark my words.
Nassourdine Imavov via X
Imavov’s confident declaration on social media underscores his intensity and focus as he prepares for a potential showdown with Strickland.
Imavov’s Recent Winning Streak and Rising Status in Middleweight Division
While Strickland’s recent record has been uneven, Imavov has maintained an undefeated streak with crucial wins over notable fighters such as Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier, and Brendan Allen. A significant highlight in his rise was his September 2025 unanimous decision win against Caio Borralho, who had entered that fight undefeated and under difficult circumstances involving a double weight cut while serving as a backup for UFC 319’s middleweight title fight. Despite Strickland’s criticism of Borralho’s condition, Imavov’s victory solidified his place in the top three of the division.
Strickland has expressed interest in facing Khamzat Chimaev for the middleweight title, but Imavov, as the division’s number two contender, appears positioned as the most likely challenger when Chimaev returns from his hiatus in mid-2026. Imavov’s series of impressive performances have made him a prime candidate for the upcoming title shot.
Significant Victory and Ambitions Set for 2026
One of Imavov’s career-defining moments came on February 1, 2025, at UFC Fight Night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, when he triumphed over Israel Adesanya by technical knockout. The bout ended early in the second round following a powerful right hand and effective follow-up strikes. This upset victory dramatically raised Imavov’s profile within the UFC middleweight division and among global fans.
48 hours before Adesanya vs Imavov. Riadh, Saudi Arabia One year ago, we took down a legend. This year, we’re stepping into history. InshaAllah.
Nassourdine Imavov via X
Imavov reflected on this milestone and outlined his focus for 2026, posting training footage that highlighted his precise and rapid striking techniques, signaling an ongoing commitment to improvement and success.
Focus on Title Shot Against Khamzat Chimaev
With Khamzat Chimaev sidelined until mid-2026, Imavov is widely anticipated to challenge him for the middleweight championship upon Chimaev’s return. Chimaev himself has indicated that Imavov will be his first opponent during his title defense, emphasizing Imavov’s status as the sport’s foremost contender in their weight class. This opportunity aligns with Imavov’s ongoing momentum and recent streak of victories, putting him in a prime position to capture the championship.
As the middleweight landscape evolves, Imavov’s determination to settle his rivalry with Sean Strickland and pursue the title reflects both his ambition and the intense competition within UFC. His ability to combine the grappling tradition of his Dagestani heritage with standout striking makes him a unique and formidable opponent moving forward.
Make no mistakes, under normal conditions, I’ll crush this guy! Mark my words. https://t.co/WSagz5cIum
— Imavov Nassourdine (@imavov1) February 16, 2026
48 hours before Adesanya vs Imavov📍Riadh, Saudi Arabia
One year ago, we took down a legend. This year, we’re stepping into history.
InshaAllah ☝️ pic.twitter.com/0Kz7HWGnRK— Imavov Nassourdine (@imavov1) February 12, 2026
