Summary
Chimaev with a pet wolf. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/khamzat_chimaev
Undefeated in 15 professional fights and current middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), Khamzat Shimaev He still doesn't have a date to return to the octagon and defend his crown for the first time. However, if the choice of his next opponent were solely his, it probably wouldn't be... Nassourdine ImavovIn an interview with ESPN, the Chechen surfer didn't seem very interested in giving up the opportunity to the current number one ranked surfer in the category.
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According to Chimaev, the confrontation could bring unnecessary drama, since both fighters come from the Caucasus, and he also mentioned having some kind of relationship with Imavov.
“He (Imavov) is a cool guy. We know each other. He’s from Dagestan… it’s going to be very dramatic. But if the UFC wants him, I’ll never say no,” the champion stated.
Khamzat Shimaev doesn't want to fight Nassourdine Imavov because of the relationship between their countries
"He's a good guy. We know each other. He's from Dagestan… there gonna be a lot of drama.
But if UFC wants it, I never gonna say no.”
(via @spnmma) pic.twitter.com/vkFGCniFIe
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 8, 2025
Despite being born in the same region, both wrestlers hold dual nationality. While Chimaev was born in Chechnya but recently began representing the United Arab Emirates, Imavov took his first steps in Dagestan and later grew up in France, a country with which he has identified since childhood.
Imavov is the number one challenger for Chimaev's title.
Nassourdine Imavov won Caio Borralho No. UFC Paris. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/Venom
With five consecutive wins in the world's largest MMA organization, Imavov became the first to win Caio Borralho in the Ultimate Fighting Championship in his last appearance, in the main event of UFC ParisFurthermore, he has victories against Israel adesanya, Brendan allen e Jared Cannonier.
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