Nassourdine Imavov, fresh off his spectacular knockout victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC Saudi Arabia, has made it obvious that he wants a shot at UFC middleweight gold. With four remarkable victories in the last year, including wins over prominent competitors like Jared Cannonier, Roman Dolidze, and Brendan Allen, the most recent coming against former champion Israel Adesanya, the Russian-born Frenchman has earned his spot in the title conversation. Despite his climb in the rankings, it appears that fame—rather than skill—will determine who gets the next shot at champion Dricus Du Plessis. So, he issued a warning to ‘Stillknocks’ while exposing UFC CEO Dana White. But what irked the #2 ranked fighter?

Speaking at the UFC 312 post-fight press conference, Du Plessis made it clear that star power, not merit, was going to decide his next title defense. He said, “It doesn’t matter what I think (should face him for the title); we all know what’s gonna happen. Like, what do you think makes more money? Me and Khamzat? Or me and Imavov?” While ‘Stillknocks’ did not discredit Imavov’s accomplishments, he did admit that the UFC’s business strategy promotes pay-per-view sales.

Khamzat Chimaev is one of the sport’s most significant names, and Du Plessis sees him as the inevitable next competitor. However, Nassourdine Imavov was quick to respond. Taking to X, he retweeted the video of Du Plessis’ statements and responded with a harsh message against the champion as well as the head honcho for his business strategy. The Frenchman wrote, “That’s what the @ufc is all about, allow the best to become champ, no matter their fame, you’re a good example of that. You took advantage of it and now you’re closing the door. Khamzat is a superstar, he’ll sell against anyone. Him or me, your time’s coming @dricusduplessis”

While Du Plessis favors Khamzat Chimaev as his opponent, Imavov’s rise cannot be overlooked. However, as history has proven, Dana White and the UFC frequently favor blockbuster fights above merit-based matchmaking. If Imavov wants to overtake Chimaev, he must convince UFC officials that he is just as popular. But while he looks for a fight against ‘Stillknocks,’ it seems like Israel Adesanya is still not done with him.

Israel Adesanya might have a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov

Israel Adesanya’s fall from the top of the middleweight class has been one of the most talked-about storylines in MMA. ‘The Last Stylebender,’ once the undisputed 185-pound king, has now lost three consecutive fights, the most recent being at UFC Saudi Arabia against Nassourdine Imavov. Given the significance of the setback, many expected Adesanya to seek an instant rematch. However, in a surprising turn of events, the former champion has rejected the idea—unless one important condition is met.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Adesanya made it clear that he has no interest in running it back right away. “Imavov beat me. People ask me, like, ‘You should get a rematch.’ I was like, ‘Nah, I’m good,’ like he beat me.” However, he didn’t completely shut the door on facing Imavov again. According to Adesanya, if their paths cross for a title in the future, then a rematch would make sense. “If maybe one day something for the belt happens or whatever, he has a title, and then there’s a cool story. But right now I’m like, I don’t need to. Like, he beat me, fair game, that’s it, cool.”

Well, it looks like a rematch is on the plates, but for that, Nassourdine Imavov will have to get his hands on the title first despite Dana White‘s business ideas currently being against it. Even if he does, even ‘The Last Stylebender’ will need to secure multiple wins over top contenders before even thinking about a rematch against the Frenchman. What do you think? Will we get to see a rematch between the two? Let us know in the comments.