Nassourdine Imavov promises ‘no happy ending’ against Sean Strickland

Nassourdine Imavov admits that he takes certain things personally.

Sean Strickland dethroned Khamzat Chimaev in a shocking upset to win the middleweight title via a closely-contested split decision at UFC 328 last weekend in Newark, New Jersey. Strickland had insulted Chimaev’s race, ethnicity and religion in the lead-up to the fight. However, the two showed mutual respect after the fight, and Strickland apologized for going too far with the trash talk. Strickland justified his words saying he was trying hard to sell the fight.

Strickland has since expressed interest in defending his title against Imavov, who vows to knockout the newly-crowned middleweight champion. Responding to Imavov’s comments, Strickland said that he can’t avoid racism. However, Imavov warns Strickland that he has certain boundaries when it comes to trash talk. The Frenchman says that targeting his religion, family and nation won’t be forgiven as a marketing gimmick. Unlike the narrative with Chimaev, Imavov promises Strickland that there will be no happy ending.

A Different Attitude

“They say I take things too personally,” Imavov wrote on X. “Damn right. Religion, family, nation… these aren’t marketing to me. Every insult comes with a price. You’ll pay for it! NO HAPPY ENDING.”

Imavov (17-4) suffered his last loss against Strickland in 2023. “The Sniper” has since racked up a five-fight winning streak against elite competition. Imavov most recently defeated fellow contender Caio Borralho in September 2025. 

This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com

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