Nassourdine Imavov and Khamzat Chimaev (Photo by Imagn Images)

Nassourdine Imavov is Still Sharper Than Ever Despite Missing the Khamzat Chimaev Title Fight

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Mar 14, 2026 2:48 PM ET

Sean Strickland got the title shot against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 . Fans went crazy when this fight was announced since they both share one of the most heated rivalries in the UFC. Despite the hype around Chimaev vs. Strickland, fans said Nassourdine Imavov was more deserving of a title shot.

Imavov was in line to fight for the middleweight title and even called out ‘Borz’ several times. But the Chechen fighter said that if he fights Imavov, it’ll cause major drama between Chechnya and Dagestan. Now that he has missed the title shot, ‘The Sniper’ dropped a training video showing his fast striking power.

Nassourdine Imavov showing that hand speed once again.

(Via: @imavov1 ) pic.twitter.com/Q1uVNTATll
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 14, 2026

Now, fans wonder when Imavov will get the title shot or if, in the future, he’ll face Chimaev or not. Fans are more excited about ‘Borz’ and Strickland’s press conference as they expect heated trash talk. Many UFC stars say that the promotion might need heavy security for this fight.

Daniel Cormier Says Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland Need Security

Sean Strickland has made multiple racist comments towards Khamzat Chimaev’s religion and also about his country. As their fight is scheduled for UFC 328, fans expect nothing but heated trash talk. But Daniel Cormier believes the promotion will need extra security whenever they’re around each other. In a recent video, the 46-year-old said:

“I don’t know if I trust those two enough to put them together before the fight because they might start fighting.”

☠️Daniel Cormier says they will ABSOLUTELY need more security for Khamzat vs Strickland

"I don't know if I trust those two enough to put them together before the fight because they might start fighting"

via @dc_mma

pic.twitter.com/CZI2Chsy6c
— Dovy (@DovySimuMMA) March 13, 2026

Cormier also mentioned that the middleweight champ is training hard for this fight, as he pays anyone who submits him in training. ‘Borz’ was even seen sharpening his striking with Khalil Rountree Jr. This fight is definitely something that fans wanted.

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

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