Nassourdine Imavov was caught off guard by the stunning turn of events at UFC 328, where Sean Strickland dethroned Khamzat Chimaev to claim the middleweight title. The French contender, now eager to settle an old score, is ready to step into the spotlight and silence Strickland.

In a fight that had fans on the edge of their seats, Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) pulled off a major upset, edging out the previously undefeated Chimaev (15-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) via split decision in Saturday's main event at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Chimaev started strong, taking Strickland down and controlling Round 1, but he visibly slowed in Round 2. Despite catching a second wind later in the fight, Chimaev opted to stand and trade, a strategy that ultimately cost him the belt.

"I was very surprised," Imavov said after UFC 328. "I wasn't expecting that. I don't know what happened with Khamzat, but he looked different. But anyway, Strickland won. I will shut him down."

Imavov (17-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) was the No. 1 contender until Strickland finished Anthony Hernandez at UFC Fight Night 267 in February. Now riding an impressive five-fight winning streak, Imavov's last loss came at the hands of Strickland in a light heavyweight main event back in January 2023—a fight Strickland took on short notice after Kelvin Gastelum was injured. That defeat still stings, and Imavov sees UFC 328 as the perfect opportunity for redemption.

Strickland has acknowledged Imavov as the most deserving contender, but the plot thickened when Chimaev called for an immediate rematch—even after telling UFC President Dana White he wanted to move up to 205 pounds due to a grueling weight cut. With the title now around Strickland's waist, the middleweight division is buzzing with possibilities, and Imavov is ready to make his mark.