MMA
Nassourdine Imavov hints at imminent UFC announcement as he confirms Sean Strickland clash
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
MMA
Jasmine Jasudavicius expects Erin Blanchfield to wrestle 'once she feels these hands' at UFC Edmonton
Jasmine Jasudavicius is looking to cement herself as a title contender at UFC Edmonton.
Jasudavicius is set to take on Erin Blanchfield in the co-main event of UFC Edmonton. Jasudavicius enters the bout as a +255 underdog while the American is a -350 favorite on FanDuel. The fight was supposed to happen at UFC 330 in August, but an injury to Blanchfield delayed it to August. Although the Canadian was frustrated to have the fight postponed, she is ecstatic for it to be taking place in Edmonton now.
“That is exactly it. It was like two weeks out that I heard it was being moved,†Jasudavicius said on Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com. “Initially, I was so frustrated because I just put in a whole camp. I was ready, my weight was good, and I was firing on all cylinders. It got moved, and at least we are fighting in Canada now. This works out even better.â€
With extra time, Jasudavicius said she did take some time off to avoid burnout. But she also feels like the extra time will only help her, as she knows Blanchfield is one of the best in the world.
“She's talented; she's one of the top fighters in the world. I won't be talking too much shit. She's skilled, but I know how skilled I am, and I am ready to test myself against the best girls in the world,†Jasudavicius said.
Jasmine Jasudavicius hopeful to earn title shot at UFC Edmonton
Although Jasudavicius is an underdog, she has full confidence in her skillset. She believes she is better on the feet. So, she expects Blanchfield to try and wrestle her a ton, especially once she lands a couple of punches.
If Jasudavicius can turn Blanchfield into just a wrestler, she is confident she will be able to pull off the upset win at UFC Edmonton.
“I'm not too sure. I've watched all of her fights, and it's not like she's going to the wrestling right away; she is comfortable with striking. But I do think once she feels these hands, she will be shooting a little bit more. … My hand will be raised at the end of the night,†Jasudavicius said.
If Jasudavicius gets her hand raised, she believes it will cement her as a title contender at flyweight. And, it would set up a rematch with Natalia Silva, which the Canadian would be thrilled to get the chance to not only avenge her loss, but to take the belt off her.
“It would mean a lot; it's a big milestone,†Jasudavicius concluded. “Just getting into the UFC is a big deal; getting 10 fights in the UFC is a big deal; to get 10 wins is another feather in my cap. … That would be my dream. She gave me the lost which hurt, so if I can take the belt off her, it would fulfill me. I show well, say I finish Blanchfield, it would be me in the talks to get a title shot.â€
Do you think Jasmine Jasudavicius will beat Erin Blanchfield at UFC Edmonton?
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
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