The UFC Middleweight division is quickly becoming one of the most competitive in recent years. With new champion Khamzat Chimaev holding the belt, contenders are lining up for a shot, but UFC CEO Dana White isn’t ready to commit to Nassourdine Imavov as the next challenger.
Imavov is set to headline UFC Paris on September 6 against Caio Borralho. Riding a four-fight unbeaten streak, Imavov has built an impressive résumé, including knockout victories over former champions and top contenders Israel Adesanya and Jared Cannonier. By most measures, he has earned at least a title eliminator fight, if not a direct title opportunity.
Still, White is taking a cautious approach. “We’ll see how this whole thing plays out, and we’re gonna end up with a Middleweight challenger for Khamzat Chimaev’s title that he just won. These fights have massive implications,” he said.
The crowded field at 185 pounds means someone will inevitably be left waiting. With Anthony Hernandez set to face Reinier de Ridder at UFC Vancouver, along with Imavov’s clash in Paris, multiple contenders are in play. White has made it clear he intends to wait and see who delivers the most convincing performance before deciding Chimaev’s first title defense.
