Fans have expressed displeasure over recent remarks made by a UFC title contender. Dana White, known for his tough stance on fighters refusing specific matchups, recently criticized heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall for saying he’d rather relinquish his title than defend it against his teammates, calling him “absolutely insane.” Similarly, Merab Dvalishvili stirred controversy by discussing fighting at featherweight, further straining his relationship with White after revelations about avoiding a bout with close friend Aljamain Sterling.
These sorts of disputes have also surfaced around the upcoming 2026 title fight, with several participants publicly addressing such issues.
In the middleweight division, Khamzat Chimaev has named Nasourdin Imavov as his first title defense opponent, although Chimaev’s return has been postponed due to foot surgery. Chimaev, who doesn’t plan to compete at middleweight long-term, confessed in an ESPN MMA interview that he’s not particularly eager to face Imavov, with whom he has trained and shared a background marked by regional rivalry, Chimaev from Chechnya and Imavov from Dagestan. Despite this, Chimaev stated he’s open to the fight if the UFC and Imavov want it.
Imavov recently spoke to RMC Sport Combat and admitted the situation is complex, explaining that his family sees the fight as difficult since both hail from the Caucasus region. He expressed gratitude to Chimaev for his past support and acknowledged the UFC’s desire to schedule their fight in February. Still, some fans disputed translation details and voiced criticism over Imavov’s comments.
Despite neither fighter refusing the bout, fan reactions have been harsh, with many criticizing Imavov for appearing hesitant. Comments on social media suggested that his attitude might warrant rule changes or even retirement from the sport, with calls to “fight or quit” and demands to “fire him immediately.” However, a few defended Imavov, urging others to read his full comments carefully.
Fan Take: This situation highlights the intricate personal and regional dynamics that can impact UFC matchmaking, reminding fans that fighters are more than just competitors—they have deep ties and complex relationships outside the Octagon. How this plays out could influence UFC’s handling of fighter commitments and rivalries, shaping the future of title defenses and fan engagement in the sport.
