Chimaev is the UFC middleweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
It seems, Khamzat Shimaev The UFC already has its first challenger for the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg) lined up. After win Caio Borralho in the main fight of UFC Paris, Nassourdine Imavov He has established himself as the frontrunner to face 'Lobo' for the belt. According to the Frenchman, talks with the organization are already well advanced.
In a post on X, Imavov revealed that he informed the UFC that his focus is exclusively on fighting for a title and that he is willing to wait as long as necessary for that. The Frenchman reinforced that he does not intend to accept deviations from the plan and that great goals require adequate preparation, also guaranteeing that he will be ready when the opportunity is made official.
“I had a good conversation with the UFC and told them: only title fights! If we have to wait, we will wait. No distractions, no detours. Great achievements require great preparation. Make no mistake, I will be ready!”, wrote Imavov.
Had a good conversation with UFC, I told them, Title shot only! If we have to wait, we'll wait. No distractions, no detours, Great things require great preparation. Make no mistake, I'll be ready!
— Imavov Nassourdine (@imavov1) November 27, 2025
Who will be Khamzat Chimaev's next opponent in the UFC?
Chimaev faces his opponent before the UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
After defeating Dricus Du Plessis and win the belt, Khamzat Shimaev He found a middleweight division full of potential challengers. However, three months after the victory, the list of title contenders had shrunk considerably.
One of the matchups that could determine the next challenger took place in UFC Paris, when Nassourdine Imavov won Caio Borralho by unanimous decision, he assumed the number 1 position in the category.
Another duel that had the potential to determine Chimaev's opponent would be the fight between Ridder's Reinier e anthony hernandez, scheduled for the UFC Vancouver, on October 18th. However, with "Fluffy" injured, the Dutchman ended up facing Brendan allen And after four intense rounds, it was the American who won by technical knockout.
Besides the names in the middleweight division, there is also the possibility of Chimaev moving up a weight class and facing... Alex Poatán for the light heavyweight title (up to 93 kg).
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