MMA
Nassourdine Imavov hints at imminent UFC announcement as he confirms Sean Strickland clash
Published
16 hours agoon
Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLCUFC middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov sounds confident he'll get his long-awaited shot at the title against Sean Strickland.
Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight title by handing Khamzat Chimaev his first loss earlier this year at UFC 328. Strickland defeated Chimaev by split decision to become one of the few two-time UFC middleweight titleholders in the promotion's history.
After Strickland and Chimaev's legendary showdown, speculation ran rampant that they would run it back in an immediate rematch later this year. Chimaev initially teased a full-time move to light heavyweight before changing his mind and refocusing on contending at 185 lbs.
As Chimaev prepares for a potential return to the Octagon, Strickland will turn his attention towards a likely rematch years in the making with top contender Nassourdine Imavov. In a short-notice matchup, Strickland defeated Imavov at the UFC Apex to continue his ascent in the middleweight division.
Almost a full year removed from Imavov's last UFC appearance, the UFC matchmakers haven't announced or confirmed Imavov as the next title challenger. Fight fans got the closest thing to a confirmation ahead of the UFC's return to Paris.
Nassourdine Imavov ‘has the date' for Sean Strickland title rematch
During a recent Q&A session with fans ahead of UFC Paris, Imavov was pressed on a timeline for his desired middleweight title shot.
“I know the date for my next fight, and it is for the title,†Imavov confirmed.
Strickland vs. Imavov could potentially take place at the upcoming Madison Square Garden card in November. UFC 334's full card hasn't been announced, and it could potentially feature a heavyweight title unification bout between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane.
In the meantime, it sounds like Imavov will get his long-desired title shot later this year.
What is your early prediction for Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov 2? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
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Muhammad Mokaev claims he’s best flyweight in world after UFC exit
Published
5 seconds agoon
September 5, 2026
Mokaev is convinced he's the best flyweight across mixed
martial arts.
Mokaev (17-0) continues to win titles outside the
Ultimate Fighting Championship since his controversial exit
from the promotion. He repeatedly campaigned for a UFC return while
picking up wins in MMA, submission grappling and Karate Combat.
Muhammad Mokaev explains why he believes he's the world's top
flyweight
When asked by Red Corner MMA whether he considers himself the best
125-pounder in the world, Mokaev reiterated his past claims. The
Dagestan-born Brit added that he'll continue winning outside the
UFC after being denied a title shot in the premier
organization.
“I just know it,†Mokaev said. “I know they just didn't give me a
chance to get the belt. I'll keep collecting belts all over the
world and calling their fighters out.â€
After leaving the UFC, he won the
Brave CF flyweight championship before adding the ACBJJ title
to his list of accolades. After winning the latter, “The Punisherâ€
sent a message to UFC CEO Dana
White.
“Dana said two years ago, ‘Become champion somewhere else.' I
became Brave CF champion, ACBJJ champion, five fights, four
finishes, staying busy and showing the world why I’m the best
flyweight in the world,†Mokaev previously said in a video posted
on social media.
Muhammad
Mokaev believes he's already the best flyweight in the world
and says he'll continue collecting belts worldwide while calling
out top UFC fighters.“I just know it,†Mokaev told Red Corner MMA when asked if he feels
like he's the best flyweight in the world.“And I… pic.twitter.com/uzAiETFSfj
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA)
September 3, 2026
Muhammad
Mokaev sends a message to Dana White 👀“Dana said 2 years ago – ‘he can become champion somewhere
else’.I became Brave CF champion, I became ACBJJ champion, I won 5 fights
with 4 finishes within 2 years. Staying busy, staying active and
showing the world why I’m the… pic.twitter.com/vMKd9eQ957— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS)
August 31, 2026
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Israel Adesanya makes major training change amid UFC losing skid
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2 hours agoon
September 5, 2026
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Jorge Masvidal credits Kimbo Slice for helping launch his fighting career
Published
4 hours agoon
September 5, 2026
Masvidal remembers exactly how Kimbo
Slice influenced his career.
Speaking to Daniel
Cormier, the former
Ultimate Fighting Championship title challenger and BMF champ
detailed how a shared connection to Miami’s Freestyle Fighting
Academy eventually led to him competing on Slice’s backyard-fight
platform.
Jorge Masvidal recalls how Kimbo Slice gave him a shot on his
backyard-fight platform
Masvidal revealed that he and Slice came from nearby areas, had
mutual friends and began training together at the same gym. By
then, Masvidal was already pursuing mixed martial arts
seriously.
“Well, particularly with Kimbo, it just so happened we didn't grow
up far from each other,†Masvidal said. “We had some friends in
common and we ended up at the same gym, Freestyle Fighting Academy,
and we started training.â€
Masvidal recalled already having amateur fights and grappling
experience when one of the gym owners asked Slice to watch him
spar. At the time, Slice's videos were generating massive attention
online.
“One of the gym owners asked him, goes, ‘Man, I got a really
talented dude. I want you to watch him spar and see if you'll put
him on,'†Masvidal said. “I always give him big props because he
put me on his platform. He didn't have to.â€
Masvidal said the fights were kept secret because organizers risked
fines and potential arrest, and recalled receiving just two hours’
notice before one event. The first event took place in Liberty
City, Miami, behind a laundromat. Before Masvidal’s bout, Slice
warned him about his opponent’s right hand.
“I'm going to give you the location right now. You got two hours to
get there,†Masvidal recalled being told. “He comes back about 20
seconds later and he goes, ‘Keep your left hand up. He's got a
really, really good right.' So, we got in there, and we made magic,
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Muhammad Mokaev claims he’s best flyweight in world after UFC exit
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Jorge Masvidal credits Kimbo Slice for helping launch his fighting career
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