Nassourdine Imavov revealed the UFC had two dates in mind—December and February—for his middleweight title fight against champion Khamzat Chimaev, but Chimaev's injury halted plans. Imavov, on a five-fight win streak over top-10 foes, feels next in line after beating Caio Borralho. Chimaev, hesitant due to their friendship and regional ties, is open if UFC mandates it, though he eyes a light heavyweight move against Alex Pereira. Dana White insists on title defense first. This stalls the 185-pound division amid Sean Strickland's recent win. Imavov awaits UFC's next move.[1]
Nassourdine Imavov has disclosed that the UFC had mapped out two potential dates — December and February — for a middleweight title fight between him and champion Khamzat Chimaev, only for an injury to Chimaev to derail both windows.
Imavov enters the picture off a five-fight winning streak built against top-ten competition, most recently defeating Caio Borralho to cement his case as the division's mandatory challenger. Borralho, ranked fourth at middleweight, carries an 18-2 record and fights out of The Fighting Nerds camp. The Brazilian southpaw lands 3.44 significant strikes per minute at a 56 percent accuracy rate and averages 1.28 takedowns per 15 minutes, making the win over him a meaningful credential for Imavov.
Chimaev, ranked first in the division and tenth pound-for-pound, holds a 15-1 record and fights out of Allstars Training Center. The 32-year-old carries one of the most dominant grappling profiles in the sport, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.80 submission attempts, and connects at 60 percent striking accuracy. He has publicly acknowledged a personal hesitation rooted in friendship and regional ties with Imavov, though he has indicated he would comply if the UFC formally mandates the contest. Chimaev has separately expressed interest in moving up to light heavyweight to face Alex Pereira.
That ambition is complicated by UFC president Dana White, who has insisted Chimaev must defend the middleweight title before any division jump is considered.
Why it matters
- The injury leaves the 185-pound title picture in limbo with no confirmed defense on the horizon.
- Sean Strickland's recent win adds a credible second contender voice to a division already waiting on clarity.
- Chimaev's dual focus on a Pereira super-fight and a personal reluctance to face Imavov creates an unusual set of obstacles for the UFC to navigate.
- Imavov's résumé against top-ten opponents strengthens any formal mandatory claim he presses with matchmakers.
