Khamzat Chimaev Explains Why He Doesn’t Want To Fight Nassourdine Imavov

Nassourdine Imavov and Khamzat Chimaev (Photo by Imagn Images)

Khamzat Chimaev Explains Why He Doesn’t Want To Fight Nassourdine Imavov

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated May 7, 2026 5:16 AM ET

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nassourdine Imavov was once hyped as both fighters showed interest in facing each other. However, later, both fighters stopped calling each other out on social media, and recently, the middleweight champion revealed why he doesn’t want to fight the Dagestani fighter.

Chimaev explained why he has no interest in fighting the 31-year-old, saying the respect between them is too strong. The Chechnya fighter said they share similar backgrounds, religion, and personal connections. In the recent press conference with UFC, he said:

“Of course, we both don’t want to fight each other because same religion, same country, almost we know each other. I believe he’s a next champ too.”

Khamzat Chimaev says there’s mutual respect with Nassourdine Imavov and neither wants that matchup

"Of course we both don't want to fight each other because same religion, same country almost we know each other I believe he's a next champ too"

(VIA @ufc ) pic.twitter.com/eN1rOHXqJD
— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) May 7, 2026

Meanwhile, the middleweight champion is fighting Sean Strickland at UFC 328, and this is the most hyped fight right now. Both fighters have real beef, and they’ve been trading trash talk, making this fight super intense. Fans are pumped for this one.

Dricus Du Plessis Says Sean Strickland is Dangerous for Khamzat Chimaev

Dricus du Plessis believes Sean Strickland has a much better chance against Khamzat Chimaev than most fans think. After going five rounds with Chimaev himself, DDP said he realized the key to beating ‘Borz’ is surviving the early wrestling pressure. During his recent interview with FForecastShow, ‘DDP’ said:

“Strickland is a strong guy, a lot stronger than Khamzat on a physical level… If Strickland gets up 2-3 times in that first round, it’s not gonna get any easier [for Khamzat]. Once Khamzat has to fight Strickland’s fight, I just don’t think [Khamzat] has a chance.”

Dricus du Plessis thinks Sean Strickland has a really good chance to beat Khamzat Chimaev

"Strickland is a strong guy, a lot stronger than Khamzat on a physical level… If Strickland gets up 2-3 times in that first round, it's not gonna get any easier [for Khamzat].

Once… pic.twitter.com/YFTXDQDbXB
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 6, 2026

Du Plessis also pointed out that ‘Tarzan’ is physically stronger than people realize, and believes Strickland’s nonstop jab, pressure, and cardio could become a serious problem if Chimaev cannot secure an early finish.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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