Nassourdine Imavov believes his next walk to the Octagon will be for UFC gold, and he expects Sean Strickland to be standing across from him.
Strickland is once again the middleweight champion after recapturing the title with a victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328. Imavov says that result has cleared the way for his long-awaited shot at the belt.
“100 percent fighting for the belt,” Imavov said. “My next fight is (for) the belt.” He added, “Before the fight with Strickland and Khamzat, I wanted to fight Dricus (Du Plessis) to stay active, and the UFC told me I could fight only for the belt. After Khamzat vs. Strickland, I’m 100 percent fighting for the belt.”
The French contender, who owns a 17-4, 1 NC record and is undefeated since losing to Strickland with five straight wins, has knockout victories over Jared Cannonier and Israel Adesanya. Strickland previously defeated Imavov by decision at UFC Vegas 67 and is in favor of an Imavov title shot.
Imavov describes his rivalry with Strickland as deeply personal. “I do not like him, he’s not a good person,” Imavov said. “He talks shit every day. We already fought before, and he insulted me several times. Even during his fight week with Khamzat, he called me a terrorist. It’s such bullshit that it’s hard not to want to rip his head off. It’s very personal. I think he’s the only fighter in the UFC where it’s so personal.”
