“No hugs, rather die”- Nassourdine Imavov sends fiery warning to new UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland after UFC 328 title shock

Nassourdine Imavov has issued a strong warning to newly crowned UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland after the dramatic events of UFC 328. The French contender reacted after Strickland shocked fans by defeating Khamzat Chimaev via split decision in the main event at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The upset changed the middleweight title picture completely and pushed Imavov back into championship discussions.

Many fans expected Chimaev to dominate after his strong opening round, where he secured takedowns and controlled Strickland on the ground. However, the undefeated star slowed down as the fight progressed, while Strickland stayed composed and relied on his striking. Imavov admitted after the event that he was surprised by Chimaev’s performance and said the fighter looked very different from his previous appearances inside the Octagon.

Nassourdine Imavov targets Sean Strickland after UFC title victory

Nassourdine Imavov, who is currently riding a five-fight winning streak, believes his chance at the UFC middleweight title has finally arrived. The French fighter was previously expected to challenge Khamzat Chimaev for the belt before Sean Strickland earned a surprise title opportunity with a knockout victory over Anthony Hernandez earlier this year.

Imavov intensified the rivalry on social media. In his tweet, he wrote that insults involving religion, family, and nationality are deeply personal to him and warned Strickland that there would be consequences for his comments during the buildup to UFC 328. The French contender ended the tweet by promising that the rivalry would not end happily for the champion. When @mma_time replied with “thanks, Nassour, please no hugs at the end”, Imavov replied with “NEVER! Rather die!”

Speaking after UFC 328 also Imavov said that he did not expect Chimaev to lose the fight. He added that something appeared unusual about the former champion’s performance but made it clear that Strickland deserved the win. Imavov also promised that he plans to stop Strickland when they meet again.

The rivalry between the two fighters dates back to January 2023. At that time, Strickland accepted a short-notice fight at light heavyweight after Kelvin Gastelum withdrew due to injury. Strickland won the bout by unanimous decision.

Now, the UFC appears ready to book a rematch for the middleweight championship. UFC president Dana White reportedly confirmed that Imavov is the leading contender for the next title fight.

A potential rematch between Strickland and Imavov is now one of the biggest fights in the UFC middleweight division.




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