Daniel Cormier names Nassourdine Imavov as Sean Strickland’s next UFC title challenger

Daniel Cormier has called out UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland’s next move: and named Nassourdine Imavov as the man who deserves the shot ahead of Dricus du Plessis.

On 18 May at UFC 328 in New Jersey, Strickland became a two-time middleweight champion by beating Khamzat Chimaev on a split decision. The 35-year-old American had first won the belt by stopping Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in 2023, only to lose it to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297 in Toronto in 2024. Strickland then dropped a rematch decision to du Plessis at UFC 312 in Sydney in 2025.

What did Daniel Cormier say?

Cormier, speaking on his YouTube channel, laid down a clear order: Imavov first, du Plessis later. “Now, Nassourdine Imavov has earned a title fight five times over,” DC said. “Nassourdine Imavov should be fighting for the UFC middleweight championship.”

He added a warning about inactivity. “Nassourdine Imavov has not been in the octagon for a really long time. And with time comes the potential for you to get passed over, especially when former champions are stepping on the line and competing.”

Why does Daniel Cormier back Imavov over du Plessis?

Cormier’s push comes after Strickland’s latest victory. The champion’s 18 May win over Chimaev put him back on top, but Cormier argues Imavov’s resume trumps du Plessis’s claim. Imavov, 31, has racked up 17 pro wins in 22 fights and owns three of his last five in the UFC. His last outing came on 21 June 2025 at UFC Fight Night 258 in Paris, where he outpointed Caio Borralho on a unanimous decision.

Imavov’s lone meeting with Strickland ended in a unanimous decision loss at UFC Fight Night 217 in 2023: his light heavyweight debut. Yet Cormier insists the Russian-French contender has done enough to leapfrog du Plessis in the title queue.

What’s Imavov’s side of the story?

Imavov recently addressed his UFC inactivity. Chael Sonnen asked on X if the UFC had offered him a fight since June 2025. Imavov replied: “Nothing! They’ve probably got bigger plans for me… Seaaaan.”

Cormier’s public backing may pressure the UFC to book Imavov sooner rather than later. With du Plessis already in line for a trilogy with Strickland, the promotion now faces a clear choice: reward the more active contender or keep the belt in the former champion’s hands.

Where do the middleweights go from here?

Strickland could face disorderly conduct charges after his antics at UFC Freedom 250’s Washington, DC fan fest. Meanwhile, Imavov waits for the call. If the UFC honors Cormier’s call, the Russian-French middleweight would get his second shot at the belt: and his first at middleweight: against Strickland in what promises to be a high-stakes return.