Khamzat Chimaev has announced who he plans to face in his first middleweight title defense. Recently, at UFC Qatar, Chimaev got into a brief scuffle with Ian Machado Garry. Although Chimaev was there to support Arman Tsarukyan, fans were eager to know his next fight date. However, due to a foot surgery and the observance of Ramadan until March 18, Chimaev won’t be returning to the Octagon anytime soon. Despite the delay, he’s already hinted at his next challenger through social media posts.
Since winning the 185-pound championship in August, there has been much discussion about who should challenge Chimaev next. While Jon Jones is pushing for a rematch, other contenders in the middleweight division are also in contention. Nassourdine Imavov, despite an impressive winning streak and a recent victory over Caio Boralho, has not been guaranteed a title shot. With Reinier de Ridder’s losing streak, Imavov’s odds of facing Chimaev have improved, making him the likely next challenger. Chimaev acknowledged this possibility recently on social media, advising Imavov to improve his wrestling skills before their potential fight.
After Imavov’s win, Chimaev briefly praised both fighters for a “good fight,” signaling his interest in facing Imavov. However, the final decision lies with UFC officials, and it may take some time before the match is officially scheduled. Nonetheless, Imavov’s strong performance places him in a prime position for a title shot.
Fan Take: This development is exciting for fight fans because a matchup between Chimaev and Imavov could spark a thrilling new rivalry in the middleweight division. It highlights the ongoing evolution of UFC’s top contenders and promises compelling action as fighters sharpen their skills for the title spotlight.
