"Revenge" against Sean Strickland more exciting than potential middleweight title shot, says Nassourdine Imavov after UFC Paris victory

Nassourdine Imavov shared his thoughts on his plans and a potential rematch against Sean Strickland after his UFC Paris victory. Strickland handed Imavov his last professional MMA defeat in January 2023. The Frenchman has been on a four-fight unbeaten run since the loss.

At UFC Paris, Imavov defeated Brandon Allen by unanimous decision to extend his win streak to three. Heading into the fight, he was the No.4-ranked middleweight contender while Allen occupied the No.8 spot in the rankings.

Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Imavov said about his further course of action:

"Of course, the following is going to be to fight for the belt, but if the belt is not here, I want to keep being busy, and I want to fight anyone in front of me in the rankings." [Via translator]

When asked if he would be open for the Strickland rematch if the title fight opportunity does not show up, Imavov responded:

"Of course, it would be a great pleasure for me to do it. It’s even more exciting than the belt to fight against Strickland and to take my revenge.” [Via translator]

Check out Nassourdine Imavov's comments below (16:07):

According to the official UFC rankings, Strickland (No.1), Israel Adesanya (No.2), and Robert Whittaker (No.3) are the only fighters ranked above Imavov in the middleweight division. While Whittaker is scheduled to fight Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in October, Adesanya is coming off a title fight defeat against champion Dricus du Plessis.

Strickland, who lost the title to du Plessis in January, got back in the win column with a split-decision victory over Paulo Costa at UFC 302. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that he would be the next challenger to the title. However, no official announcement has been made so far.

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