The UFC middleweight title picture appears to be taking shape, with Nassourdine Imavov confident that his next appearance inside the Octagon will come against champion Sean Strickland. Although the promotion has not officially announced the matchup, Imavov believes a championship clash is being targeted for October or November, setting the stage for a rematch with far greater stakes than their first meeting.
If confirmed, the bout would likely headline one of the UFC’s biggest events of the year while bringing clarity to a division packed with elite contenders.
Imavov insists his next fight will be for UFC gold
Despite calls for other contenders to receive the opportunity, Nassourdine Imavov remains convinced that the UFC has already chosen him as the next challenger. The French middleweight recently revealed that he was willing to stay active before Sean Strickland fought Khamzat Chimaev and even requested a matchup against former champion Dricus du Plessis.
According to Imavov, the UFC turned down that request because they had bigger plans.
Before Khamzat fought Strickland, I told the UFC I wanted to fight DDP to stay active, but they said, ‘Your next fight will be for the title.’ We will probably fight near the end of the year. I think the UFC will try to push for October or November.
The contender later doubled down on his confidence.
My next fight is for the belt. After Khamzat versus Strickland, I’m 100 percent fighting for the belt.
Those comments indicate that the UFC sees Imavov as the leading candidate for the next championship opportunity, even as Khamzat Chimaev continues to campaign for an immediate rematch.
Personal history adds another layer to the rematch
A title is not the only thing on the line if Strickland and Imavov meet again. Their rivalry has become increasingly personal over the past few years.
The pair first met at UFC Vegas 67 in January 2023, where Strickland secured a unanimous decision victory. Since then, Imavov has transformed himself into one of the division’s most dangerous contenders, while tensions between the two have continued to rise.
Imavov made his feelings toward the champion unmistakably clear during a recent interview.
I do not like Strickland. He’s not a good person. He talks shit every day. During the fight week with Khamzat, he called me a terrorist. It’s hard not to want to rip his head off. It’s a very personal fight.
Those comments underline why this matchup has become more than a standard title defense. There is genuine bad blood between the two middleweights.
A dominant run has earned Nassourdine Imavov another opportunity
Few fighters have built stronger momentum than Imavov over the past two years. Following his defeat to Strickland, the French contender responded with five consecutive victories, putting himself firmly back in championship contention.
His impressive streak includes knockout wins over Jared Cannonier and former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya before adding a decision victory against highly rated Brazilian contender Caio Borralho.
Now holding a professional record of 17 wins, four losses, and one no contest, Imavov has established himself as one of the most complete fighters in the 185 pound division.
The middleweight title race remains competitive
Although Imavov appears to be the frontrunner, Sean Strickland has no shortage of potential challengers.
The American reclaimed the middleweight championship after defeating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, prompting immediate discussions over who should receive the next title shot. Chimaev has openly called for a rematch, while former champion Dricus du Plessis strengthened his own position by defeating Kamaru Usman.
Even so, Strickland has reportedly welcomed the idea of facing Imavov again, creating a scenario that would settle unfinished business while giving one of the division’s most deserving contenders his long awaited championship opportunity.
A fight that could define the next era at 185 pounds
Should the UFC officially announce Sean Strickland versus Nassourdine Imavov, the fight could become one of the promotion’s standout main events of the year.
For Strickland, victory would strengthen his reign and prove he can overcome another elite challenger. For Imavov, it represents the chance to avenge his previous defeat and capture the UFC middleweight championship for the first time.
With championship stakes, a shared history, and undeniable personal tension, all signs point toward a rematch capable of reshaping the future of the middleweight division.
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