Nassourdine Imavov shocked the world at UFC Saudi Arabia.
His second-round knockout of all-time nice Israel Adesanya despatched shockwaves by way of the UFC’s middleweight division and marked one other turning level for the division. Very similar to Khamzat Chimaev subbing Robert Whittaker, Imavov’s win over Adesanya was surprising and formed issues to come back.
What’s subsequent for “The Sniper?” Will he get the coveted title shot or should face yet one more challenger earlier than being granted such an opportunity?
The title combat: Nassourdine Imavov combating future
We’ll assume Dricus Du Plessis wins subsequent weekend for only a second. He faces Sean Strickland in the principle occasion of UFC 312. When Nassourdine Imavov knocked off second ranked Israel Adesanya, he made an enormous assertion over Khamzat Chimaev, who’s considered subsequent for the title shot.
The one downside right here is that Chimaev is a fan favourite and in addition has an announcement win, his submitting of Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. If Du Plessis wins, we might see the UFC go for the Chimaev combat. If Du Plessis loses, the UFC might go for Strickland versus Chimaev. This places Du Plessis proper in the best way of Imavov’s title shot.
Win or lose, we might get Dricus Du Plessis versus Nassourdine Imavov subsequent. Chimaev must be wholesome, which is a tall order for the Chechen. He has a historical past with pullouts. All of it relies on how subsequent weekend goes…
Sean Strickland versus Nassourdine Imavov 2?
The shoe may also match on the opposite foot. If Sean Strickland wins at UFC 312, he’s the champ. He has a win over Nassourdine Imavov again in 2023. The story is there for Strickland and Imavov to run it again. Imavov was scheduled to combat Kelvin Gastelum on that card earlier than Gastelum pulled out. In stepped Sean Strickland. Strickland, as you understand, acquired the win, the title shot, and the title.
If Strickland loses at UFC 312 subsequent weekend and the UFC books Du Plessis vs. Chimaev, then we’d nearly actually get Strickland versus Imavov 2. Imavov will in all probability see himself at quantity three on this week’s up to date UFC rankings behind Strickland and Chimaev, who will get a bump to 2 after Adesanya’s loss.
With Strickland doubtlessly dropping to Du Plessis, we are going to see Chimaev take that primary spot and a Du Plessis vs. Chimaev combat. This traces up completely for Imavov to get a shot at redeeming his final loss.
Different choices?
Middleweight is funky and in an odd spot. We’re transitioning to a brand new period of 185ers. With many of the decrease prime ten already booked, different choices for Imavov are already out the window. One possibility can be Caio Borralho, one other of these new children on the proverbial 185 block. Borralho is ranked sixth and can be a enjoyable matchup for Nassourdine Imavov and a great possibility for a backup combat on no matter card Du Plessis/Strickland versus Chimaev would land on.
We all know Khamzat Chimaev is a pullout service provider. We all know he is available in heavy. If catastrophe strikes, which is an efficient chance, having Nassourdine Imavov on the cardboard would make a ton of sense. If the UFC brass involves him with this chance, and understanding what we learn about Chimaev, Imavov would possible combat anybody on that undercard.
Caio Borralho makes probably the most sense. But when Robert Whittaker has his jaw healed up, that’s an possibility too. Significantly, throw anybody at him: Fluffy Hernandez, Roman Kopylov, Reinier de Ridder, whoever you may. You’d fill that hypothetical Chimaev card out with a combat and Imavov can be on standby for when Chimaev pulls out.
