Khamzat Chimaev Fires the First Shot — Hints at Opponent and Timeline for His Debut Title Defense
Khamzat Chimaev has wasted no time stirring the pot — the undefeated UFC champion already knows who he wants to face when it’s time to defend his crown for the first time. And the name he’s calling out is bound to turn some heads.
After a dominant victory that secured his place atop the division, Chimaev has now zeroed in on French contender Nassourdine Imavov as his next potential opponent. But here’s the catch — he doesn’t want the fight right away. Instead, Chimaev directed his challenge for after Ramadan in 2026, tossing in a bit of friendly banter with a sharp edge.
“See you after Ramadan, Imavov,” Chimaev posted on X (formerly Twitter). “You’ve got time to work on your wrestling, Bratishka.” That little message quickly rippled through fight circles, with fans buzzing about whether this matchup is now officially in motion or merely Chimaev’s way of drawing out his next big rivalry.
Timing and Tradition
For context, most Muslim fighters avoid competing during or immediately after Ramadan, focusing instead on fasting and spiritual reflection. Given that Ramadan in 2026 ends on March 19, that means if this fight actually materializes, we’re probably looking at a summer showdown — a perfect stage for two surging middleweights to clash under the UFC spotlight.
The Tale of Two Streaks
Chimaev, holding a spotless professional record of 15-0, has ended six of his nine UFC bouts in devastating fashion — and his most recent performance was no exception. His championship victory over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in August was nothing short of surgical, reinforcing the fearsome “Borz” reputation that has followed him since his debut.
But Imavov isn’t coming in quietly. Riding a five-fight winning streak, the French-Russian standout has carved out a name for himself by defeating some of the best in the business — Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier, Brendan Allen, Israel Adesanya, and Caio Borralho. Each of these victories strengthened his claim as one of the most underrated but dangerous names in the division.
What Happens Next?
If this matchup does come together, it won’t just be about two fighters — it’ll be about two fast-rising stars with contrasting styles and mentalities. Chimaev’s relentless pressure and grappling mastery versus Imavov’s technical intelligence and striking finesse could make for one of the most intriguing championship battles in years. And here’s where it gets controversial: could Imavov, once seen as an outsider, actually have the tools to dethrone the unstoppable “Borz”? Or will Chimaev’s dominance roll on, silencing another contender on his path to legacy?
Fans are already lighting up social media with takes on who would win and why — but what do you think? Is Chimaev’s confidence justified, or is he underestimating Imavov’s evolution as a fighter? Drop your thoughts below — this debate is just getting started.
