3 reasons why Nassourdine Imavov must get the next shot at Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC middleweight title

Resume

Nassourdine Imavov’s resume is the strongest of any of the fighters currently vying for a 185lb title shot.

The 30-year-old boasts a five-fight win streak, which includes a knockout victory over Israel Adesanya.

A former two-time middleweight champion, Adesanya is regarded by most as the second-best fighter the division has ever seen. ‘The Last Stylebender’ only trails Anderson Silva, who enjoyed the longest title reign (2,457 days) in UFC history.

Imavov added to his 17-4 (1NC) record by ending Caio Borralho’s 16-fight win streak with relative ease.

Fanbase

UFC Paris was one of the best cards in recent memory with 11 finishes, including a record-setting 9 knockouts.

15,724 fans packed into the Accor Arena to watch Nassourdine Imavov, who moved from Dagestan to France at the age of nine. They were so loud it sounded like 150,000 people had come out to support the hometown favorite.

The passionate French fans make it a country the UFC will want to return to as much as possible.

A UFC titleholder from the region would give Dana White a good reason to hold a pay-per-view there.

Paris native Ciryl Gane will get the chance to become heavyweight champion when he fights Tom Aspinall at UFC 321 on October 25.

If he fails, Imavov could and should get the chance to win a title for France in his very next fight.

Timing

Khamzat Chimaev expressed his desire to return as soon as possible following UFC 319.

Nassourdine Imavov is the only opponent that makes sense if he wants to defend his belt in 2025.

‘The Sniper’ could take a few weeks off before entering camp for an end-of-year clash with Chimaev.

The winner of De Ridder vs. Hernandez is unlikely to be ready to fight again until the first quarter of 2026.