Israel Adesanya's Middleweight Reign: Daniel Cormier Calls for Nassour

Israel Adesanya's Middleweight Reign: Daniel Cormier Calls for Nassourdine Imavov's Title Shot

Daniel Cormier has sparked a heated debate in the UFC middleweight division by claiming that Nassourdine Imavov has earned a title fight five times over against Sean Strickland.

What happened?

Sean Strickland became a two-time UFC middleweight champion after defeating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision in their UFC 328 clash in New Jersey in May. Strickland had previously held the middleweight title after beating Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in 2023, before his reign ended in 2024.

Why it matters for Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya's 2023 loss to Strickland is a key factor in Cormier's argument. Cormier believes that Imavov's recent performances and his win over Caio Borralho at UFC Fight Night 258 in the Accor Arena in Paris make him a more deserving candidate for a title shot.

What comes next?

Daniel Cormier thinks that Imavov should be fighting for the UFC middleweight championship, citing his impressive record and recent performances. However, Strickland could be facing a disorderly conduct charge for his behaviour at the Washington, DC fan fest, which may impact his title reign.

Nassourdine Imavov has won three of his last five fights in the UFC and has chalked up 17 victories overall in his 22-fight professional MMA career so far. Imavov previously faced Strickland in his light heavyweight debut and lost by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 217 in 2023.

Imavov's last fight inside the octagon came in 2025, and he recently responded to Chael Sonnen on X, formerly Twitter, about his inactivity in the UFC. "UFC has not offered you a fight since your last fight?" Chael Sonnen asked. Responding to the former UFC star, Imavov wrote: "Nothing! They've probably got bigger plans for me… Seaaaan [sic]."

Imavov's previous outing in the octagon was against Caio Borralho and ended in a unanimous decision win at UFC Fight Night 258 in the Accor Arena in Paris.

What's next for Imavov?

Imavov's inactivity in the UFC has sparked debate, with some questioning whether he is still a contender for a title shot. However, Cormier believes that Imavov's recent performances and his impressive record make him a more deserving candidate for a title shot.

The UFC middleweight division is heating up, with Strickland facing a disorderly conduct charge and Imavov looking to get back in the title hunt. Will Imavov get his shot at the title, or will Strickland's reign continue?

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