Nassourdine Imavov explains calling out Sean Strickland after UFC Houston: ‘I will leave him dead inside of the cage’
MMA Fighting
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Nassourdine Imavov, a rising contender in the UFC middleweight division, has made it clear that he believes he deserves the next title shot after an impressive five-fight win streak against top-tier opponents. Following Sean Strickland’s dominant victory over Anthony Hernandez in UFC Houston, Imavov expressed frustration over the suggestion that Strickland might leapfrog him for a title opportunity. He argued that Strickland’s recent performance doesn’t justify jumping ahead of him, especially after Strickland’s previous failed attempts at securing the title.
Imavov pointed out that Strickland had already received multiple title shots despite losing to Dricus du Plessis and later failing against Paulo Costa. He emphasized that his own achievements, including defeating top-five opponents like Adesanya and Jared Cannonier, make him the most deserving contender for the middleweight belt. Imavov’s focus remains singular: he wants to fight for the title, nothing else.
The situation creates a dilemma for the UFC as it navigates its new era under Paramount. Strickland, a former champion who returned with a strong win over Hernandez, is seen by many fans and analysts as the likely next challenger to current champion Khamzat Chimaev. However, Imavov believes that pitting Chimaev against Strickland would result in an unimpressive fight, given Chimaev’s dominance in previous matchups. Imavov instead advocates for a high-stakes showdown between himself and Strickland, promising a “world war” inside the cage.
Imavov’s frustration with the UFC’s decision-making process is evident, as he feels overlooked in favor of other fighters deemed more marketable. He has repeatedly called out Strickland over the past few years, driven by personal animosity and a desire to prove his worth against one of the division’s most vocal competitors. Imavov’s proposal for a rematch with Strickland is not just about rivalry—it’s about proving that he belongs at the top of the middleweight division.
For fans, this clash between Imavov and Strickland would likely deliver the kind of excitement and drama they’ve come to expect from high-stakes UFC matchups. With Imavov’s technical skills
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/23/2026