The mixed martial arts world is buzzing. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight division is witnessing a seismic shift. New contenders are emerging, and among them, Nassourdine Imavov is a force to be reckoned with. He’s eager to make a mark in the talent-rich division. This Saturday, all eyes will be on UFC Fight Night 235 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Imavov, ranked No. 11, is set to clash with the towering No. 8-ranked Roman Dolidze in the main event.
The anticipation for this matchup is palpable. To fully appreciate it, we need to rewind and revisit the journey of these two warriors. Dolidze, prior to his setback against Marvin Vettori at UFC 286, was a force of nature. He rampaged through four opponents, leaving destruction in his wake and earning three “Performance of the Night” bonuses. His 2022 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, with three finishes in six months. However, 2023 brought hurdles. Scheduling difficulties and an injury derailed his plans. Now, he’s in the main event against Imavov, with a chance to reignite his path to middleweight supremacy.
Imavov’s journey reflects his adversary’s. He had three consecutive wins between July 2021 and September 2022, including emphatic finishes against Ian Heinisch and Edmen Shahbazyan. Then, 2023 brought a detour. A challenging bout against former champion Sean Strickland and a no contest result against Chris Curtis didn’t lower Imavov’s standing, though. The Russo-French fighter remains a rising star, boasting impressive stats that highlight his striking prowess and defensive skills.
Before this pivotal clash, let’s delve into the archives. Let’s revisit some Imavov rivalries that led him to this momentous juncture in his career.
In a clash against Francesco Demontis, Imavov showcased his submission skills. He clinched a rear-naked choke victory at 2:26 of Round 1. This fight, held under the Devil’s Cage banner in Italy, also marked Imavov’s middleweight debut.
On Sept. 28, 2019, Imavov faced Mateusz Gluch. This battle saw him secure the Thunderstrike Fight League welterweight championship. The victory, sealed by a kimura-induced submission in the first round, underscored Imavov’s early championship potential. It laid the foundation for his ascent on the MMA scene.
“The Sniper” faced adversity after a six-fight winning streak was snapped in 2021 by Phil Hawes. However, at UFC on ESPN 27, he rebounded with a second-round technical knockout victory over Heinisch. Imavov’s resilience and striking prowess were on full display. It was a glimpse into his ability to overcome setbacks and emerge stronger.
Imavov’s clash with Shahbazyan at UFC 268 further solidified his status as a finisher. A second-round TKO, marked by devastating elbows, elevated Imavov’s profile as a rising middleweight contender. This win, part of a three-fight streak, demonstrated his ability to dominate tough opponents and solidify his status in the division.
Imavov delivered a passionate performance in front of his home crowd at UFC Fight Night 209. He secured a commanding victory over Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision. Imavov showcased superior striking and grappling skills, fending off a late comeback attempt. Judges scored the fight 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27, marking Imavov’s third consecutive win. Undeterred by Buckley’s power, Imavov utilized his size advantage, confidently evading punches and countering with lightning-quick strikes. His dominance continued as he shrugged off takedown attempts before transitioning to the mount and unleashing elbows in the opening round. In the face of Buckley’s resilience, Imavov displayed versatility, transitioning to wrestling in the second round and launching a relentless assault. Although Buckley rallied in the final round, Imavov’s poised performance affirmed his status as a rising middleweight contender equipped to challenge the best in the division.