Israel Adesanya believes there is a clear route to victory for Nassourdine Imavov against Khamzat Chimaev.
No one has been able to stop the recently crowned UFC middleweight champion’s relentless wrestling.
Khamzat Chimaev has amassed a 15-0 MMA record by mostly mauling his opponents on the ground.
Nassourdine Imavov appears to be next in line at 185lbs after beating Caio Borralho at UFC Paris on Saturday night.
- OPINION: 3 reasons why Nassourdine Imavov must get the next shot at Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC middleweight title
Israel Adesanya breaks down Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nassourdine Imavov
Israel Adesanya was knocked out inside two rounds when he fought Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia in February.
Still, the former two-time middleweight champion publicly picked against his old rival ahead of UFC Paris.
Adesanya changed his tune on Imavov after watching him dominate Borralho over five rounds.
‘The Last Stylebender’ called for Imavov to get a title shot, and even explained how he could give Chimaev problems in their potential UFC title fight.
“I think Khamzat vs. Imavov [is next],” Adesanya said on his YouTube Channel.
“I’m not gonna cancel out Imavov now, because of his takedown defense. If he can take away the wrestling from Khamzat, he’ll give him problems. That’s all you have to do. Khamzat can strike, but I see what I see.
“His wrestling is his main weapon, and he commits a lot to the wrestling. He gets the f—ing grip, he takes people down, and keeps them down. If Nassourdine can get past that, he’ll give Khamzat problems.
“Right now, Khamzat is on point, and he’s got the momentum behind him. So has Imavov.
“Who will win? We’ll see.”
Nassourdine Imavov’s title shot isn’t set yet
Despite his five-fight UFC win streak, Nassourdine Imavov could be overlooked for a title shot.
Top middleweight contender Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez will clash in the UFC Vancouver main event on October 18.
Dana White says that the fight could determine the next challenger for Khamzat Chimaev’s belt.
“We’ll see how this whole thing plays out,” the UFC CEO said in August.
“We’re gonna end up with a middleweight challenger for Khamzat Chimaev’s title.”
A stoppage win for De Ridder or Hernandez may be enough to leapfrog Imavov in the rankings.