Sean Strickland’s split decision win over Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC 328 main event has Nassourdine Imavov both surprised and hungry for his own shot at the middleweight champion.
Strickland edged Chimaev on the scorecards after a fight in which Chimaev secured an early takedown and controlled Round 1 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., but then slowed in Round 2.
Watching the bout, Imavov admitted the result caught him off guard. “I was very surprised,” he said. “I wasn't expecting that. I don't know what happened with Khamzat, but he looked different. But anyway, Strickland won. I will shut him down.”
Imavov was previously the No. 1 contender before Strickland finished Anthony Hernandez at UFC Fight Night 267 in February. The French contender is currently riding a five-fight winning streak, with his last loss coming against Strickland in a light heavyweight main event in January 2023, a fight Strickland accepted on short notice after Kelvin Gastelum was injured.
Following UFC 328, Strickland acknowledged Imavov as the most worthy contender, further aligning the rising challenger with a potential title opportunity.
