3 future opponents for Nassourdine Imavov

Having emerged victorious from his top duel with Brendan Allen at UFC Paris 2024, Nassourdine Imavov can aim big for his next fight. Here are three potential opponents for the French fighter.

UFC Paris 2024 was rich in lessons on Saturday evening. If a Benoît Saint-Denis must find the reasons for his defeat, Nassourdine Imavov can allow himself to dream big. Very big. Already ranked number 4 in the UFC middleweight rankings before the Parisian evening, the Frenchman strengthened his position as a force majeure in the category by taking the scalp of Brendan Allen, 8th. This therefore allows him to compete in exceptional and high-stakes fights.

Dricus Du Plessis, for the belt

With a great series of victories and an established status, Nassourdine Imavov is now one of the best placed to get a chance at the world title. These last two resounding successes against the Americans Jared Cannonier and Brendan Allen, both members of the Top 10, automatically give him the role of contender. At 28 years old, this would be a fair reward for a steady rise in strength. Increasingly formidable and complete, the Frenchman represents a real threat in the category.

Champion Dricus Du Plessis gained the upper hand over the three current members of the Top 3 in these last few fights. Winner every time, the South African could therefore be tempted by a new challenge. What’s better than going up against a fighter who is on the rise, and has proven his credibility to face him in the octagon?

Also read – Who is Nassourdine Imavov?

Sean Strickland, revenge to take

Nassourdine Imavov’s last loss in the UFC was in January 2023. At the time, the Frenchman was already a rising force ready to move to the top. Opposed to the formidable Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC Vegas 67, he offered a consistent opposition, losing only on points. But this simple fight became a real personal affair following the words of the American, as he confided to the microphone of RMC This year :

” Trashtalking is one thing, but when you cross the line by insulting family, religion… It’s unacceptable. I do not accept and I do not respect these people. One thing I want to do is rip his head off.”

Current number in the rankings, Strickland relaunched with success last June after being beaten by Du Plessis for the belt. While waiting for a new opportunity, the American could be tempted to participate in a potential revenge which already promises to be hot.

Israel Adesanya, the dream of Nassourdine Imavov

After the champion and number 1, what could be more normal than to be interested in number 2? Especially when it is an established and recognized figure of the federation. Crowned champion twice, Israel Adesanya failed in his quest to regain the belt by being beaten by Du Plessis last August. He’ll have to wait before he gets his chance again. A situation which could lead to a clash against Imavov.

The Frenchman has already spoken of his admiration for the New Zealander of Nigerian origin. At the end of last week, before his fight at UFC Paris 2024, he was clear when the question of a possible confrontation was asked:

“If I want this fight, it’s because I know I can win it. And then, we are fighters, that’s normal, we have to stay confident.”

The poster would be attractive on paper, and would represent another test. Nassourdine Imavov now has a golden opportunity to become one of the headliners in the category, and win his ultimate Holy Grail: the UFC belt.