Chimaev (15-0 MMA) captured the promotion’s coveted middleweight title at August’s UFC 319 event in Chicago, earning a lopsided unanimous decision victory over Dricus du Plessis.
After that impressive win, many fans and pundits were wondering who would be next for ‘Borz’ as the 185lbs division currently features a number of top contenders including Nassourdine Imavov, Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez.
While many fans were hoping that Khamzat Chimaev could make a quick turnaround, the newly crowned middleweight champion recently revealed that he had suffered an injury that would keep him out of action until mid-2026.
That said, it doesn’t appear that Dana White and company have any plans for an interim title fight, as Nassourdine Imavov revealed that he recently had a good chat with promotion officials and plans to wait until Chimaev is healthy again.
I’m not used to waiting, but this time I have to
— Imavov Nassourdine (@imavov1) November 27, 2025
“I had a good conversation with the UFC, I told them: Title shot only! If we have to wait, we wait. No distractions, no detours. Great things require great preparation. Make no mistake, I’m ready! I’m not used to waiting, but this time I have to.”
Khamzat Chimaev clearly got wind of Imavov tweetswhile ‘Borz’ then issued the following cautionary warning to ‘The Sniper’.
See you after Ramadan @imavov1 🤫
You have time to work on your struggling Bratishka 😁— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) November 27, 2025
“See you after Ramadan @imavov1🤫 You have time to work on your struggling Bratishka 😁”
Nassourdine Imavov (17-4 MMA) is currently on a five-fight winning streak, including victories over Brendan Allen, Israel Adesanya and Caio Borralho.
Do you think Imavov has the arsenal needed to dethrone undefeated UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev?
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