Nassourdine Imavov reflects on loss against Sean Strickland

Nassourdine Imavov asserted that his 2023 defeat to Sean Strickland came under unusual circumstances, a point resurfacing as Strickland headlines UFC Houston on Saturday. Nassourdine Imavov had been slated to face Kelvin Gastelum before Sean Strickland accepted on five days' notice and won by unanimous decision. Strickland now leads UFC Houston vs. Anthony Hernandez, as Imavov reiterates that under normal conditions he would "crush" Strickland. Strickland later became middleweight champion after upsetting Israel Adesanya, lost the title to Dricus Du Plessis, beat Paulo Costa, and fell short in a rematch with Du Plessis. Imavov is listed with six straight wins and is seen as the frontrunner to challenge Khamzat Chimaev.