Nassourdine Imavov

Nassourdine Abdoulazimovitch Imavov (Нассурдин Абдулазимович Имавов; born March 1, 1995) is a French professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

As of February 6, 2024, he is #8 in the UFC middleweight rankings.

At the age of 9, Imavov started boxing when he arrived in France from Dagestan, Russia with his family in Salon-de-Provence.

After that, he discovered MMA and at 19, he moved to Paris with his older brother Daguir, where they joined Fernand Lopez's MMA Factory.

Starting his professional career in 2016, Imavov compiled an 8–2 record.

He was riding a 5 bout win streak before signing with the UFC, during which time he picked up the Thunderstrike Fight League Welterweight Championship and a first-round beat down of former UFC welterweight Jonathan Meunier at ARES FC 1 on December 14, 2019.

Imavov made his UFC debut against Jordan Williams on October 4, 2020 at UFC on ESPN: Holm vs. Aldana.

He won the bout via unanimous decision.

Imavov faced Phil Hawes at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Lewis on February 20, 2021.

Despite a late storm by Imavov, he lost the bout via majority decision.

Imavov faced Ian Heinisch on July 24, 2021 at UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Dillashaw.

He won the fight via technical knockout in round two.

Imavov faced Edmen Shahbazyan on November 6, 2021 at UFC 268.

He won the fight via TKO due to elbows from crucifix position in round two.

Imavov was scheduled to face Kelvin Gastelum on April 9, 2022, at UFC 273.

However, Imavov was forced to withdraw due to visa issues and the bout was cancelled.

Imavov faced Joaquin Buckley on September 3, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 209.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Imavov was scheduled to face Kelvin Gastelum on January 14, 2023 at UFC Fight Night 217.

However, Gastelum was forced to withdraw due to a mouth injury, and was replaced by Sean Strickland, with the bout taking place at light heavyweight.

He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Imavov faced Chris Curtis on June 10, 2023, at UFC 289.

The bout ended in a no contest in the second round after an accidental clash of heads left Curtis unable to continue due to a severe cut above his eye.

Imavov was scheduled to face Ikram Aliskerov on October 21, 2023, at UFC 294.

However, Imavov withdrew due to visa issues and was replaced by Warlley Alves.

Imavov faced Roman Dolidze on February 3, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 235 in the main event.

Imavov won the bout by majority decision.