Nassourdine Imavov

Nassourdine Abdoulazimovich Imavov (Russian: Нассурдин Абдулазимович Имавов; born 1 March 1995) is a French professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of 11 February 2025, he is #1 in the UFC middleweight rankings.

Background

Imavov was born to an ethnic Kumyk family in Khasavyurt, Dagestan, Russia. At the age of 9, Imavov moved with his family to Salon-de-Provence, France, where he started boxing. 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.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

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 14 December 2019.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Imavov made his UFC debut against Jordan Williams on 4 October 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 20 February 2021. Despite a late storm by Imavov, he lost the bout via majority decision.

Imavov faced Ian Heinisch on 24 July 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Dillashaw. He won the fight via technical knockout in round two.

Imavov faced Edmen Shahbazyan on 6 November 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 9 April 2022, at UFC 273. However, Imavov was forced to withdraw due to visa issues and the bout was cancelled.

Imavov faced Joaquin Buckley on 3 September 2022, at UFC Fight Night 209. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Imavov was scheduled to face Kelvin Gastelum on 14 January 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 10 June 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 21 October 2023, at UFC 294. However, Imavov withdrew due to visa issues and was replaced by Warlley Alves.

Imavov faced Roman Dolidze on 3 February 2024, at UFC Fight Night 235 in the main event. Imavov won the bout by majority decision.

Imavov faced Jared Cannonier on 8 June 2024, at UFC on ESPN 57. He won the fight by technical knockout in the fourth round.

Imavov faced Brendan Allen on 28 September 2024 at UFC Fight Night 243. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Imavov faced former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya in the main event on 1 February 2025 at UFC Fight Night 250. He won the fight by technical knockout in the second round. This fight earned him his first Performance of the Night award.