Rivalries: Nassourdine Imavov

According to a segment of the mixed martial arts community, the Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight division is witnessing a seismic shift with the arrival of a new brand of contenders. Among them, Nassourdine Imavov stands as a formidable force eager to make a mark in the stacked talent pool of the division. The spotlight on Saturday shifts to UFC Fight Night 235 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, where the No. 11-ranked Imavov collides with the towering No. 8-ranked Roman Dolidze in the main event.

As the anticipation builds for this pivotal matchup, it is essential to rewind the tape and revisit the journey that led to the crossing of paths for these two warriors. Dolidze, before his setback against Marvin Vettori at UFC 286, rampaged through a quartet of opponents, leaving a trail of destruction and earning three “Performance of the Night” bonuses in the process. The Georgian powerhouse’s 2022 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a year defined by three finishes in six months. Dolidze’s remarkable run, however, encountered hurdles in 2023, as scheduling difficulties and an unfortunate injury thwarted his plans for redemption. Next, he finds himself in the main event spotlight against Imavov with an opportunity to reignite his path to middleweight supremacy.

On the other hand, Imavov’s journey mirrors that of his adversary, with three consecutive wins between July 2021 and September 2022, including emphatic finishes against Ian Heinisch and Edmen Shahbazyan, before a detour altered his course in 2023. A challenging bout against former champion Sean Strickland and a no contest result against Chris Curtis did not diminish Imavov’s standing. The Russo-French fighter remains a rising star, boasting impressive statistics that underscore his striking prowess and defensive acumen.

Ahead of this pivotal clash, we delve into the archives and revisit some Imavov rivalries that led him to this momentous juncture in his career:

Francesco Demontis

In a clash against Demontis, Imavov showcased his submission prowess and clinched a rear-naked choke victory at 2:26 of Round 1. The fight was held under the Devil’s Cage banner in Italy also marked the 28-year-old’s middleweight debut.

Mateusz Gluch

On Sept. 28, 2019, Imavov faced Gluch in a battle that would see 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 and laid the foundation for his ascent on the MMA scene.

Ian Heinisch

“The Sniper” faced adversity momentarily 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, providing a glimpse into his ability to overcome setbacks and emerge stronger.

Edmen Shahbazyan

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. The win, part of a three-fight streak, demonstrated his ability to dominate tough opponents and solidify his status in the division.

Joaquin Buckley

Imavov delivered a passionate performance in front of his home crowd at UFC Fight Night 209, securing a commanding victory over 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. Imavov’s 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.