Matchup leaked? Injured Khamzat Chimaev claims he’s fighting Nassourdine Imavov after Ramadan: ‘You have time to work on your wrestling’

It appears that Khamzat Chimaev is looking to defend his UFC middleweight title next against streaking French contender Nassourdine Imavov.

Chimaev, who is coming off a dominant decision win over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 to claim the 185-pound crown, is currently nursing an injured foot and will be sidelined until after Ramadan next year as he undergoes surgery and properly heals. Fight fans are eager to see what Chimaev can do as UFC champion, but they’ll have to wait just a little longer.

Nothing is concrete at this time, but it looks like Chimaev might be fighting Imavov in his return. At least that’s what “Borz” implied during a recent back-and-forth with Imavov on social media.

Earlier this week, Imavov took to X to reveal he had a “good conversation” with UFC matchmakers and will be sitting out until he gets his hands on his first-ever UFC title shot. The French contender went on to say he’d wait as long as he needed to in order to get his hands on Chimaev. Check it out below:

“Had a good conversation with UFC, I told them, title shot only! If we have to wait, we’ll wait,” wrote Imavov. “No distractions, no detours. Great things require great preparation. Make no mistake, I’ll be ready.”

“I’m not used to waiting, but this I have to,” he added.

Chimaev, who prides himself on being someone who will fight anyone at anytime, has only competed once per year over the past three years. That’s not the type of activity you want to see from one of the most dominant fighters in the sport today, but injuries, illnesses, and U.S. visa issues have prevented Khamzat from becoming the consistent fighter he wants to be.

As long as his foot heals in time Chimaev is counting on meeting Imavov after Ramadan, which ends mid-March of next year.

“See you after Ramadan,” responded Chimaev. “You have time work on your wrestling Bratishka.”