Nassourdine Imavov reveals potential Sean Strickland rematch choice over Khamzat Chimaev

Sean Strickland’s win over Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston put his name back into the middleweight title conversation, and he wasted no time in calling for a shot at the belt.

There has been some talk about whether the former champion should get a shot at Khamzat Chimaev’s belt, but one of the division’s other top contenders had a different idea.

Imavov challenged Strickland to a rematch, proposing that the bout could be for the vacant title. This possibility arises if ‘Borz’ goes ahead with his stated intention of moving up to the light heavyweight division.

The Frenchman was last defeated by Strickland in a 2023 main event, a fight which was arranged on short notice and contested at 205 pounds.

Speaking with MMA Fighting, ‘The Sniper’ said he believes their second meeting would feel bigger than their first. Even though he does not say much publicly, Imavov felt that his dislike for Strickland would come through loud and clear.

“If the UFC call me tomorrow, with the hate I have in my heart, of course it will be Sean Strickland, and then I can fight Khamzat or whatever.

“But what I have in my heart right now is to erase this defeat, this loss I had a few years ago, and beat this guy because I hate him. I don’t like the way he speaks. I don’t like the way he thinks. I don’t like the way he speaks about my people.”

Nassourdine Imavov says the Khamzat Chimaev vs Sean Strickland title fight should be up to the fans

Imavov believes that the conversation about Strickland getting the next title shot does not concern him because he has already earned it.

He admits that a fight between ‘Borz’ and Strickland would make a lot of noise, but called it “useless” because the champion would win quickly. On the other hand, the Frenchman added that it could have a great build-up.

Imavov told MMA Fighting that fans should decide what they want to see next, outlining two clear options for them to consider.

The 29-year-old said: “Fans should determine it,” Imavov said. “What do you guys prefer? You prefer a big build-up with someone speaking trash and everything, and then there is no fight? Or do you prefer two guys [fighting], very strong, respectful towards each other, but when they enter the cage, you can expect kind of world war? Because it will be huge, him against me. No one wants to lose and I’m not this guy. So the competition will be tough, and I’m here to bring a big challenge.

“So that’s my question. What do you guys want? To see someone speaking a lot, or a fight that you will remember for ages? That’s it.”