
It’s this well-roundedness that has Imavov in position to compete for the middleweight title. The timing works out beautifully, as well. Champion Dricus Du Plessis puts his belt on the line against Sean Strickland the following week at UFC 312 in Sydney. Most believe the next shot will go to the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev, but beating Adesanya, arguably the defining fighter of the last few years, would put Imavov right behind, if not alongside, Chimaev in terms of the pecking order for a crack at the champion.
“I was very happy when they (offered) me that fight (against Adesanya),” Imavov said. “I knew fighting Israel Adesanya meant fighting for the belt after. That’s my goal since the first day. I was very happy.”
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When asked who he thinks will win in Sydney, Imavov chose his old foe Strickland. Imavov believes Strickland’s style makes it difficult to counter, and he’ll have made the correct adjustments to come out on top in the rematch.
One could say Imavov is pushing for Strickland to win so he can seek some revenge for his January 2023 loss to the former champion, but such a result could force a trilogy bout and delay Imavov’s own ascent.