“I am subsequent” – Nassourdine Imavov calls dibs on Khamzat Chimaev’s middleweight title after UFC Paris win

Nassourdine Imavov is assured that he’ll finish Khamzat Chimaev’s unbeaten run in model. On the latest UFC Paris occasion, Imavov secured a unanimous resolution victory in opposition to Caio Borralho, extending his win streak to 5.

Whereas the combat had title implications, the promotion didn’t formally label it because the title eliminator. Throughout the octagon interview, Michael Bisping requested Imavov if he believes he ought to be the subsequent challenger for the middleweight title, at present held by Chimaev.

Imavov confidently responded:

“I’m subsequent!”

He added:

“Completely, no hesitation by any means, I am subsequent. It has been 10 years that he was unbeaten. And I [will] beat him, and I’ll beat him in model as properly. So undoubtedly, I must be the subsequent one. Guys, present me that we’re in France right here, we’re not in Brazil.” [Via translator]

Try Nassourdine Imavov’s feedback beneath (2:10):

Following a few uninspiring performances in 2023, Imavov has demonstrated constant enchancment and has positioned himself as one of many high contenders within the middleweight division, defeating former champion Israel Adesanya in his final combat.

In his latest combat in opposition to Borralho, Imavov took management from the opening bell and landed the extra significant strikes extra persistently all through the 5 rounds, whereas being the aggressor.

Though Borralho had his moments, Imavov didn’t permit him to realize momentum or constant success, successful decisively by unanimous resolution (50-45, 49-46 X 2).

Khamzat Chimaev reacted to Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho

Middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has but to remark particularly on Nassourdine Imavov’s callout. Nevertheless, he did react to the back-and-forth contest between Imavov and Caio Borralho in a latest put up on X, writing:

“Good combat! Assalamu Alaykum.”

Chimaev claimed the middleweight title with a dominant unanimous resolution victory in opposition to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319. Together with Imavov, different possible future title challengers for Chimaev embrace Reinier de Ridder, Anthony Hernandez, and Borralho.

Whereas Imavov emerged victorious in opposition to Borralho, de Ridder and Hernandez are set to conflict in October, figuring out one other potential title challenger.