Sean Strickland gets challenged to enter ‘hostile territory’ by revenge-seeking Nassourdine Imavov

Nassourdine Imavov does not have any opponent lined up. As such, he wanted a rematch against the former middleweight champion.

Sean Strickland gets challenged to enter ‘hostile territory’ by revenge-seeking Nassourdine Imavov

Nassourdine Imavov wants his rematch with Sean Strickland (via Imago)

Sean Strickland’s former opponent, Nassourdine Imavov, wants his second shot at the former UFC middleweight champion. The Frenchman aimed to avenge his embarrassing loss against Strickland from last year. Imavov recently issued a daring challenge to ‘Tarzan.’

Nassourdine Imavov recently talked with the RMC Sport Combat YouTube channel. The fighter awaits an opponent to perform at the upcoming UFC Paris event later this year. As such, Imavov wanted Strickland to know what it was like to fight behind enemy lines. 

Sean Strickland, I'm waiting for you at UFC Paris. If you are not a coward, come to hostile territory. Let's go.
Nassourdine Imavov via RMC Sports
YouTube video

Last time, Sean Strickland faced Imavov in a short-notice fight. Moreover, the fight happened in Strickland’s backyard of the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. It was an embarrassing loss for Imavov as Strickland took the matchup during the fight week. Moreover, Strickland schooled Imavov for the better part of five rounds. ‘Tarzan’ might not respond to Imavov’s call-out as he wants a rematch against Dricus Du Plessis. 

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In his last fight, the Frenchman defeated Roman Dolidze at UFC Vegas 85. Currently, it’s hard to tell if the rematch happens. The Frenchman wants to fight a big name at UFC Paris 2024 before his countrymen. However, it remains to be seen if Imavov gets another highly-ranked opponent, as Strickland insists on a title shot.

Will Nassourdine Imavov take a rematch against Sean Strickland’s teammate?

If Imavov cannot fight Strickland, will he accept a rematch against ‘Tarzan’s teammate’? Chris Curtis and Strickland train together and remain extremely close friends. In fact, Curtis and Imavov have faced each other before at UFC 289. However, it resulted in a no-contest due to an accidental clash of heads.

Sean Strickland beats Nassourdine Imavov
Sean Strickland beats Nassourdine Imavov (via MMA Fighting)

Eight months later, Imavov faced off against another one of Strickland’s training partners – Roman Dolidze. Curtis cornered Dolidze during the bout. In the middle of the bout, Imavov and Curtis had a shouting match. Following the bout, the Frenchman had harsh words for Curtis.

If a matchup with Strickland fails to materialize, Imavov vs. Curtis 2 remains an intriguing one. The bout already has a heated storyline. The UFC need not promote the matchup heavily, as Curtis and Imavov have a beef that will not get over anytime soon. Moreover, if Imavov defeats Curtis in the rematch, he could definitely get the rematch with Strickland. As such, choosing a rematch against Curtis remains the best move for the French middleweight fighter.

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