Khamzat Chimaev is close to reaching an agreement with his first UFC title challenger: 'Work on your wrestling'

Chimaev faces his opponent before the UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Khamzat Shimaev He demonstrated a willingness to face it. Nassourdine Imavov in the UFC. The Frenchman has recently gained prominence by to affirm, On social media, he made it clear to the UFC that he would only return to the octagon for a title fight, a stance that seems to have pleased the champion.

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In a post on X, Chimaev indicated that the duel could happen after Ramadan and even provoked Imavov by suggesting that he use the period to improve his wrestling, calling him 'brother' in a friendly tone.

“See you after Ramadan, Imavov. You have time to work on your wrestling, bratishka (brother),” he wrote. Khamzat Shimaev.

See you after Ramadan @imavov1
You have time to work on your wrestling Bratishka

— Khamzat Shimaev (@KChimaev) November 27, 2025

Could Nassourdine Imavov lose his chance to face Chimaev in the UFC?

Nassourdine Imavov won Caio Borralho No. UFC Paris. Photo: Reproduction/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).