Nassourdine Imavov

Early Life and Background

Nassourdine Imavov was born on March 1 in 1995. He is from Daghestan, a russian region known for its deep combat sports tradition. He is of Dagestani origin but later moved to France, where he grew up and built his mixed martial arts career. Training at the MMA Factory in Paris under coach Fernand Lopez, Imavov quickly developed into one of France’s brightest prospects. His dual cultural background ; Dagestani toughness combined with French technical refinement, has shaped him into a well-rounded and disciplined athlete.

Fighting Style

Imavov is a versatile middleweight fighter, standing at 6 feet 3 inches with a 75'' reach, his size gives him an advantage in striking exchanges. He is known for his crisp boxing, sharp counterstriking, and calculated pace inside the Octagon. Unlike many brawlers in the division, Imavov prefers precision over raw aggression, often breaking opponents down with straight punches, body shots, and smart footwork. On the ground, he has shown competency in grappling and defensive wrestling, though his striking remains his strongest weapon. His composure and ability to adapt mid-fight have earned him the nickname “The Sniper.”

Entry into the UFC

Imavov made his UFC debut in October 2020 against Jordan Williams, securing a unanimous decision victory that showcased his technical striking and fight IQ. From there, he began to climb the ranks steadily, defeating respected opponents such as Ian Heinisch and Edmen Shahbazyan. These victories highlighted his ability to compete at a high level and reinforced his reputation as one of the most promising fighters in the UFC middleweight division.

Key Career Moments

In January 2023, Imavov headlined his first UFC card in a short-notice light heavyweight bout against Sean Strickland, a top-ranked contender. Although he lost by decision, Imavov gained valuable experience and demonstrated resilience against one of the division’s most durable fighters. He rebounded later with strong performances that reaffirmed his standing as a legitimate contender in the middleweight class.

Imavov’s steady progression, disciplined style, and ability to learn from setbacks have positioned him as a dangerous presence in the top tier of the division. Still in his twenties, his ceiling remains high, and many see him as a future title challenger.

Career Highlights:

Defeated Edmen Shahbazyan in 2021 - by second-round TKO, earning wide recognition for his striking and composure.

Headlined his first UFC event in 2023  - against Sean Strickland, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.

Established himself as a top-15 UFC middleweight - through consistent performances and wins over seasoned opponents.

Nassourdine Imavov represents the new wave of MMA talent emerging from France. With a background that bridges Dagestan’s fighting culture and France’s modern MMA scene, he brings a unique blend of toughness and technical sharpness to the Octagon. His striking precision, calm demeanor, and steady rise through the ranks have already made him a standout figure in the UFC middleweight division. As he continues to mature and refine his skills, Imavov is poised to become not only a perennial contender but potentially one of the future faces of European MMA.