Imavov eyes next title shot after Paris win

Nassourdine Imavov believes he earned the next middleweight title shot after Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC 319 win and the Paris main event.

Imavov Aims for Chimaev Title Fight After Paris Victory

Khamzat Chimaev won the middleweight title at UFC 319 by defeating Dricus du Plessis by decision, setting the stage for his first defense. The victory shifts the belt picture and makes an immediate rematch unlikely, especially with a high-stakes Paris main event on the horizon. In the French capital, Nassourdine Imavov will test his title hopes against Caio Borralho, a back-up fighter turned main event challenger, in a fight that doubles as a barometer for who earns the next shot.

Imavov has publicly positioned himself as next in line, tweeting that they all talk but he is the one who will get the belt. The piece notes his rise included a knockout of Israel Adesanya earlier this year, a detail that helps explain why some see him as a legitimate challenger. The report also cites Joe Rogan weighing in on the division, pointing to Reinier de Ridder as a credible threat with a unique mix of grappling and striking.”

The article blends on‑the‑ground results with social media signals to map the early belt trajectory. It leans on Imavov’s public assertion to frame a near‑term title pursuit, while placing Borralho in Paris as a critical litmus test for that claim. The inclusion of Rogan’s commentary broadens the field, suggesting a wider set of contenders beyond the immediate winner of the Paris main event.

This approach highlights how media and hype interact with rankings in a sport where matchups are constantly renegotiated. It raises questions about the UFC’s official process for determining the next challenger and how much influence outside voices should carry in defining the belt picture. The piece invites readers to watch the Paris result as a possible turning point in the 185-pound division, rather than relying solely on past performances.

Highlights

The next chapter will be written in the cage, not in the comments section.