“I think there’s no doubt I’m worthy of fighting for the belt,” said rising middleweight star Nassourdine Imavov (16-4-0) last week, after he knocked out one of the “middleweight GOATs,” Israel Adesanya, at UFC Fight Night 250. He made a strong case for a title shot, a sentiment shared by many fans on social media, rallying behind the French-Dagestani fighter who’s currently on a four-fight win streak. However, for some, this call for a title shot is difficult to accept, especially since the 185-pound championship will be up for grabs next week in Australia at UFC 312.

Following that event, many MMA pundits believe that #3-ranked Khamzat Chimaev (14-0-0) will be next in line for the strap. ‘Borz’ made waves in the division last year at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, where he derailed Robert Whittaker’s resurgence tour via a brutal face crank. The consensus is that Chimaev’s title shot is all but guaranteed. But is that truly the case? Let’s inspect and explore three compelling reasons why Nassourdine Imavov may deserve the title shot over the Chechen wolf.

Nassourdine Imavov just finished a legend

The first reason Nassourdine Imavov deserves a title shot is clear: his dominant performance last week at ANB Arena in Riyadh. ‘The Sniper’ not only knocked out Israel Adesanya, but he also joined an elite group of fighters, such as 205lbs god-king Alex Pereira and current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, who both defeated Adesanya by knockout or submission at UFC 281 and UFC 305 respectively.

Before this, Israel Adesanya was considered nearly unbeatable, with his losses only coming by decision across kickboxing, boxing, and MMA. Imavov’s stoppage victory adds significant weight to his claim for a title shot. In addition, UFC commentator Jon Anik had stated before UFC Saudi Arabia that if Adesanya won, he would be “fighting for a title shot.”

Moreover, if we compare Khamzat Chimaev’s and Nassourdine Imavov’s recent outings, Chimaev has only fought twice at 185lbs—once against Kamaru Usman (who went up from 170lbs to 185lbs on short notice) and then against Robert Whittaker—while Imavov has been a long-time middleweight, taking on names like Brendan Allen and Jared Cannonier in his last four outings. However, after Imavov’s upset victory, some now believe he could step into the role that Adesanya once held, as Anik suggested. Do you agree now? If not, let us share the second reason.

Imavov is here to stay at middleweight, but not Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev could fight for the title whenever he chooses. Back in 2023, ‘Borz’ expressed interest in facing Alex Pereira in the 205-pound division, saying, “I’ve always been open to that fight. I know stylistically, it’s much easier for me than against other guys. But in striking, I’ll be honest, I know the guy can knock me out… He’s a great striker with some of the hardest punches.” While fans initially supported the idea of the Chechnya native moving up to light heavyweight, the discussion faded over time.

However, the idea resurfaced when UFC boss Dana White teased, “Something in the works that (media and fans) will never (expletive) see coming for 2025. It’s probably going to happen, and it’s going to happen in the fall, a fight that I’m working on.” Many believe this announcement is a precursor to Chimaev’s advent to light heavyweight and fight the Brazilian. This leaves Nassourdine Imavov as the most likely contender for the middleweight title, ahead of Khamzat Chimaev.

Chimaev isn’t nearly as active as Imavov!

Although Khamzat Chimaev remains undefeated in his MMA career, several setbacks have tainted his record. Looking closely at his journey, it’s clear that his path has been marked by numerous canceled flights, often due to “poor immunity” and “overtraining syndrome.” ‘Borz’s’ intense training has led to frequent illnesses, causing him to pull out of scheduled bouts.

In the last four years, he has been part of six canceled fights, including high-profile matchups with Leon Edwards (canceled three times), Nate Diaz, Paulo Costa, and most recently, Robert Whittaker last summer. The Whittaker fight, which was postponed multiple times, finally took place in the fall of 2024 at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.

Chimaev’s inconsistency has been acknowledged by his sparring partner and rising middleweight Caio Borralho, who noted, “He trains a lot. Like, I haven’t seen any other guy in my life that trains as much as he trains. Maybe that’s why sometimes he kills his body and doesn’t make it to the fight.”

This irregularity, paired with his struggle to stay active, has paved the way for Imavov to emerge as a more deserving title contender. At 29, ‘The Sniper’ has maintained consistent activity throughout his career, bouncing back from four setbacks while staying engaged in the division.

What’s your perspective on this? Do you agree that Nassourdine Imavov deserves the title shot more than Khamzat Chimaev, whose irregular career path has, unfortunately, hindered his ability to stay in the mix? Let us know your thoughts below.