The UFC middleweight division has rarely looked more volatile. As Dana White orchestrates what resembles a four-man playoff for the next title challenger, one name has surged to the forefront—Nassourdine Imavov. After a commanding win over Israel Adesanya in Saudi Arabia and a main event slot in UFC Paris against Caio Borralho, Imavov is no longer a dark horse. He’s a front-runner.
This momentum puts him in direct competition with none other than Khamzat Chimaev, the polarizing contender whose recent five-round wrestling clinic divided the MMA community but impressed high-level observers.
UFC’s Grand Prix Logic: Four Men, One Shot
While there is no official UFC tournament structure, Dana White’s recent announcements effectively create a mini-grand prix. The bouts to watch are:
- Nassourdine Imavov vs Caio Borralho at UFC Paris
- Reinier de Ridder vs Anthony Hernandez at UFC Vancouver
According to White, the best performance—not just the win—will determine who challenges for the title next. That adds another layer of stakes to Imavov’s clash in Paris.
Technical Masterclass or Boring Wrestlefest?
Khamzat Chimaev’s latest win wasn’t universally celebrated. Critics pointed to a lack of striking engagement and replay value. Imavov, however, saw something different.
“Keeping a champion like Dricus Du Plessis grounded for five rounds? That’s extremely technical,” Imavov stated. “I was impressed.”
Imavov’s reaction highlights a growing divide in MMA fandom: casual fans look for knockouts, while seasoned fighters and analysts value grappling dominance. This plays directly into Chimaev’s style—and helps explain why some fans remain unsure about his status, even as Dana White fast-tracks him.
UFC Paris: More Than Home Turf
Imavov isn’t just fighting in Paris for fanfare. It’s his third time at Accor Arena, and the energy of a home crowd isn’t a distraction—it’s fuel.
“It’s not just a privilege, it’s a responsibility,” he said. “I love fighting in Paris, but I’m here to finish Borralho.”
The French-Moroccan fighter has been vocal about ending fights decisively. Against Borralho, he plans to keep hunting for the finish—not just rack up points.
Verbal Jabs and Social Media Shade
Imavov hasn’t been shy in addressing Borralho’s public call-outs either. The Brazilian is 7-0 in the UFC and accused Imavov of ducking him. Imavov dismissed it:
“I didn’t even know who he was. Just a fan who followed me online.”
He called Borralho’s trash talk misleading and suggested the fighter’s interest was more about clout than competition. Still, he respects the threat Borralho poses, especially if the UFC middleweight title is truly on the line.
UFC Middleweight Contenders: Stats at a Glance
| Fighter | UFC Record | Notable Wins | Last Fight Location | Chimaev Potential? |
| Nassourdine Imavov | 6–2–1 NC | Adesanya (KO), Buckley | UFC Saudi Arabia | High |
| Caio Borralho | 7–0 | Petroski, Muradov | UFC Vegas | Medium |
| Reinier de Ridder | 0–0 (UFC) | (ONE FC Champion) | Upcoming debut | Unknown |
| Anthony Hernandez | 6–2 | Shahbazyan, Fremd | UFC Vancouver (Oct) | Dark Horse |
Imavov vs Chimaev: Why This Could Be UFC’s Most Tactical Fight Yet
If Nassourdine Imavov gets past Borralho in UFC Paris, a showdown with Khamzat Chimaev looks inevitable. But this isn’t just about rankings or records—it’s about style, psychology, and tactical depth.
Unlike Chimaev’s past opponents, Imavov isn’t afraid of the wrestling threat. He’s not just aware of the ground game—he respects it. His training in Dagestan, paired with a striking base honed in France, gives him a hybrid edge rarely seen in the division.
“I’m just different from anyone else at middleweight,” Imavov confidently said.
It’s not empty talk. Unlike others who were overwhelmed by Chimaev’s aggression and early blitz, Imavov seems comfortable with chaos—and calculated enough to counter it.
Dana White’s Strategy: Controlled Chaos in the Middleweight Division
Dana White’s matchmaking lately has favored unpredictability—but with a plan. Khamzat Chimaev became the face of that plan, jumping over more experienced contenders based on his marketability and dominant style.
Yet now, with four legit middleweights angling for the same opportunity, UFC is pushing its competitive credibility. No longer is it just about name value or social media reach. Performance is everything.
That’s why Imavov’s recent knockout over Israel Adesanya matters—it wasn’t just a win, it was a statement.
Chimaev’s Next Fight: The Million-Dollar Question
Fans keep asking: when is Khamzat Chimaev’s next fight? Dana White hasn’t confirmed a date, but insiders suggest it hinges on the results of UFC Paris and UFC Vancouver. Should Imavov win in dominant fashion, he could leapfrog the rest of the field.
This aligns with Chimaev’s own challenges. Since his dominant early run, he’s faced a mix of setbacks—missed weight, injury rumors, and inconsistent activity. Imavov’s momentum could pressure the UFC to act swiftly.
Meanwhile, Chimaev remains focused, but selective. His undefeated record and aggressive style give him leverage—but also raise questions. What happens if someone finally matches him technically and physically?
Tactical Breakdown: Imavov vs Chimaev
| Category | Nassourdine Imavov | Khamzat Chimaev |
| Fight IQ | High (disciplined, adaptive) | High (aggressive, fluid) |
| Striking | Sharp, accurate, versatile | Explosive but raw |
| Wrestling | Defensive strength | Offensive dominance |
| Gas Tank | Proven over 5 rounds | Still questioned |
| Recent Opponents | Adesanya, Buckley, Curtis | DDP, Holland, Burns |
| UFC Hype Index | Rising | Peaked, under scrutiny |
From a tactical standpoint, this could be UFC’s most cerebral middleweight clash since Adesanya vs Whittaker I. Imavov is not a brawler; he’s a strategist. And Chimaev, for all his power, will be forced into deeper waters than usual.
The Stakes for UFC: Global, Cultural, and Competitive
There’s also a geopolitical undertone. Imavov represents a new wave of Franco-Dagestani fighters—disciplined, humble, and technically sound. Chimaev, though Chechen-born and Swedish-trained, brings global attention thanks to his bravado and fanbase in the Arab world and Russia.
Dana White, never shy about global expansion, could use this rivalry to elevate the UFC’s presence across Europe and the Middle East. A title fight between Imavov and Chimaev—especially on neutral ground like Abu Dhabi or Paris—would sell out instantly.
Final Thoughts: Why Imavov Might Be UFC’s Next Big Star
Beyond skill, Imavov has the one trait every UFC contender needs: timing. He’s peaking at the right moment, when Dana White is searching for the next headline-maker post-Adesanya era.
He’s also mature in his mindset. When asked if he felt overlooked in the title race, he didn’t complain. Instead, he calmly said:
“I know what I’ve done in this division. None of the others did it.”
That quiet confidence—paired with real results—might just be what it takes to dethrone Khamzat Chimaev.