Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nassourdine Imavov ‘Obstacle’ Revealed by Joe Rogan 

Joe Rogan talks in detail about the next opponent for Khamzat Chimaev following Nassourdine Imavov's latest win.

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nassourdine Imavov ‘Obstacle’ Revealed by Joe Rogan 

Joe Rogan believes Sean Strickland can disrupt Nassourdine Imavov's chance to fight Khamzat Chimaev (via X)

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The UFC middleweight division has recently experienced significant changes after reshaping the competitive landscape. Undefeated Khamzat Chimaev captured the championship by defeating Dricus Du Plessis in a dominant performance at UFC 319.  Recently at UFC Paris, Nassourdine Imavov defeated Caio Borralho and confidently expressed his desire to challenge for the middleweight title. 

Imavov did everything in his power, defeating the Brazilian competitor in an intense, back-and-forth bout that kept fans excited throughout. After five hard-fought rounds, the Frenchman was officially declared the winner, earning a massive victory in front of his supportive home crowd.

Following that win, several discussions emerged about who might challenge next for the coveted UFC middleweight championship title shot opportunity. On a recent podcast episode, Joe Rogan discussed this situation by mentioning Sean Strickland’s potential for the next middleweight title shot.

I wonder if he can get right back in there like that? But does he go right back into a title shot or does he have to fight somebody? He lost to Dricus (Du Plessis). He hasn’t lost to anybody since then. That was quite a while ago. He also had staph going into that second fight (against Du Plessis at UFC 312). You’re also fighting one of the most physical guys in the division who’s a (expletive) bulldog. 

Joe Rogan via JRE Fight Companion 

Right after Chimaev’s impressive win, Strickland immediately called him out, claiming he had the best chance to beat Chechen’s wrestling. ‘Tarzan’, in his most recent bout, suffered a tough loss against Du Plessis, remaining ranked #3 in middleweight division.

Strickland has maintained a long-standing feud with ‘Borz,’ which could help significantly in marketing this bout as a heated grudge. Surprisingly, the American striker has a unanimous decision win over Imavov in early 2023. It was a bout that Strickland took on short-notice to save an Apex Card.

Strickland is currently under suspension after assaulting another fighter during a chaotic incident at a recent local MMA event. Nevertheless, Rogan also discussed the upcoming middleweight bout between Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez, highlighting potential title implications. However, as of now, Imavov appears to have secured a significant head start in the competitive middleweight title race.

Nassourdine Imavov doesn’t mind being the underdog against Khamzat Chimaev or anyone

Nassourdine Imavov delivered an incredible win at UFC Paris, extending his impressive winning streak to five straight bouts against elite competition. Throughout this run, he has beaten dangerous opponents like Israel Adesanya, Jared Cannonier, and Brendan Allen.

Imavov possesses balanced skills in striking and grappling, making him a versatile, unpredictable threat capable of adjusting effectively during high-pressure fights. Knocking out Adesanya showed his striking ability and outgrappling Allen showed his ground-game.

Nassourdine Imavov beats Caio Borralho at UFC Paris
Nassourdine Imavov beats Caio Borralho at UFC Paris (via X)

Even Khamzat Chimaev recently acknowledged him as a legitimate title contender in a tweet, further fueling anticipation for their future clash. Going into a potential fight against the ‘Borz’, the Frenchman would definitely be an underdog, but that doesn’t seem to bother him.

People said that against Adesanya, he was the best striker in the world and that I couldn’t fight with him, but I knocked him out on the feet. This guy Caio, I didn’t have to fight against him, but I did it. He was coming from a 10-year run of victories, 16 victories and seven victories in the UFC. I fought him, I won every round, and once again I proved that I’m the best. For me, there is no discussion that I’m [not] going to fight for the belt.

Nassourdine Imavov via UFC Paris post-fight presser

Adesanya, who previously doubted Imavov’s abilities, has now changed his stance, believing the French contender can genuinely threaten Chimaev. According to Izzy, Imavov’s strong takedown defense and relentless cardio could disrupt Chimaev’s wrestling rhythm during a potential championship fight.

Imavov has no personal beef with ‘Borz,’ only desiring the middleweight title and willing to defeat anyone standing in between. These exciting assumptions may gain clarity following the highly anticipated middleweight five-round bout scheduled for the upcoming UFC Vancouver event.

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