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Nassourdne Imavov UFC

UFC middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov took to social media to send a message to his rival, UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland.

After Strickland defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision to win the UFC middleweight title at UFC 328, UFC president Dana White told the media that a rematch between Strickland and Imavov would be next for the belt.

Strickland and Imvaov previously fought in January 2023. In a short-notice bout held at light heavyweight, Strickland stepped in on one week’s notice and defeated Imavov via unanimous decision. Three-and-a-half years later, and it appears the UFC is going to book the rematch between the two rivals. If it happens, the Imavov is going to make Strickland pay for everything he said about Chimaev and his religion during the buildup to their fight.

Nassourdine Imavov Sends a Message to Sean Strickland

Taking to his X account on Monday, Imavov sent a very direct message to Strickland ahead of the two potentially rematching later this year for the UFC middleweight championship of the world.

“They say I take things too personally. Damn right. Religion, family, nation… these aren’t marketing to me. Every insult comes with a price. You’ll pay for it! NO HAPPY ENDING @SStricklandMMA,” Imavov wrote.

The fight between Strickland and Imavov makes a lot of sense based on where these two are in the UFC middleweight ranks. Keep in mind that Imavov was supposed to fight Chimaev for the UFC middleweight title after winning five straight fights, but Strickland stole the title shot away from him after a knockout win over Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston in February. That sent Imavov back to the line, as he had to wait for Chimaev and Strickland to have their grudge match at UFC 328. Now that the fight is over, it seems likely that Imavov is going to get his chance to fight Strickland in a rematch, only this time with the fight taking place at 185 lbs with the belt on the line.

Khamzat Chimaev Might Stay at 185 lbs

Although White did say that Imavov is next for Strickland after UFC 328, there is the chance that Chimaev changes his mind about moving up to light heavyweight and sticks around at middleweight for a rematch with Strickland. If that happens, then once again Imavov may have to wait for a title shot, even though he’s done everything in his power to get a crack at the belt.

Based on Chimaev’s comments about moving up to 205 lbs before the Strickland fight, and what White said about him moving up afterwards, it feels like his next fight will be at light heavyweight. But if the UFC feels like Chimaev could fight again at middleweight and make the 185 lbs limit, then perhaps they will book the rematch with Strickland, since it’s such a big fight. If that happens, then Imavov will once again have to wait. But the Frenchman is hoping that’s not the case, and that he gets the title shot he deserves, giving him the chance to get his hands on Strickland, the man he despises.