Coming into their UFC Fight Night Paris co-main event clash, both Nassourdine Imavov and Brendan Allen had a lot to fight for. After all, #4 ranked middleweight Imavov could almost touch the title shot. On the other hand, #8 Allen was riding an eight-fight win streak and would have taken Imavov’s thunder in the division if he won. A virtual title eliminator, the fight was a classic grappler vs. striker matchup.

But, Imavov surprised everyone by holding his own and dominating Allen on the ground for two of the three rounds, winning a 29-28 unanimous decision to fortify his place in the division. And after the fight, Imavov has made it clear what he wants- a title shot.

Allen, on the other hand, just got humbled. The American had talked a good game coming into the fight and even trash-talked the champ, Dricus Du Plessis, claiming the latter was no match for him. But his uninspired performance and sloppiness had ‘All In’ lose not only the fight but also some stock among the fans (at which Du Plessis is absolutely delighted).

And Imavov for his part, knows what he wants next. In the post-fight octagon interview, the French-Russian fighter called for a title shot despite an uninspired performance that earned boos from the French fans.

“In the last seven months I’ve had three fights, my last two opponents I’ve beaten were contenders for the belt. My objective now is for the belt. I deserve a shot at the belt because I think I’ve proved myself now,” the French-Russian fighter told Michael Bisping.

Since the middleweight division already has a fair few title contenders at the moment, Imavov has only added to Dana White and Co.’s woes.

Is the UFC Paris win enough for the middleweight title contention of Nassourdine Imavov?

Dana White has confirmed that Sean Strickland is next for champion Dricus Du Plessis. After all, even the UFC CEO believes ‘Tarzan’ was robbed of a victory in their first bout on UFC 297 earlier this year. Strickland and Du Plessis went the full five rounds in a razor-close bout where ‘DDP’ walked out the new champ courtesy of a close, controversial split decision.

And after Du Plessis-Strickland 2, there is another clear title contender. Or rather there will be after Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker fight it out on their UFC 308 co-main event in Abu Dhabi this October. Not to mention Israel Adesanya, who is also eager to get back into title contention.

While ‘Izzy’ just lost to Du Plessis in their UFC 305 title clash last month, there is still a chance for him to get another title shot in the foreseeable future. For that to happen, Strickland would have to defeat Du Plessis in their rematch. And since ‘Izzy’ had lost his title to ‘Tarzan’ last year, Dana White and co. may well have them rematch if ‘Izzy’ gets a win over another top-ranked guy. Such as a Nassourdine Imavov.

There is also the argument that we are already in the post-Israel Adesanya era of the UFC middleweight division. Contenders like Caio Borralho, Imavov, Allen, Chimaev, and the new champion Du Plessis, could signal this change. If ‘Stylebender’ becomes the gatekeeper for the division in the next few years, Imavov’s road to the title could go through the former champion. What are your thoughts on the topic?