Khamzat Chimaev has finally acknowledged Nassourdine Imavov as the next challenger to his UFC middleweight title – but it may be a bit before it happens.
With Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) nursing a foot injury, he recently revealed he would not be competing under after Ramadan, which is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, communal prayer, reflection, and community from Feb. 17 to March 19.
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Imavov (17-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) has been diligently working toward his first UFC title shot and is currently on a six-fight unbeaten streak that includes wins over Caio Borralho, Israel Adesanya and Brendan Allen. He has been passed over on opportunities he thought he deserved previously, but said now he is waiting for his time (via X):
Chimaev, No. 1 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie middleweight rankings, won the belt in a dominant performance against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in August. He appears to respect No. 3-ranked Imavov’s decision to wait for their expected showdown in 2026.
The 31-year-old champ’s response wasn’t without warning, though, because he told Imavov, 30, to work on his grappling in the months ahead or else it will be a long night (via X):
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Khamzat Chimaev replies to Nassourdine Imavov, gives fight timeline
