Nassourdine Imavov eager to shut down Sean Strickland after UFC 328

Nassourdine Imavov wasn't expecting Khamzat Chimaev to lose his middleweight title at UFC 328.

Sean Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) pulled off the big upset when he edged out Chimaev (15-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) by split decision in Saturday's main event at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

After taking Strickland down in Round 1 and controlling him, Chimaev visibly slowed down in Round 2. He caught a second wind throughout the fight, where he opted to stand and trade for the most part.

"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. Currently riding a five-fight winning streak, Imavov's last loss came to Strickland in a light heavyweight main event in January 2023. Strickland stepped in on short notice to replace an injured Kelvin Gastelum.

Strickland acknowledged Imavov as the most worthy contender, but Chimaev called for a rematch after initially telling Dana White that he wants to move up to 205 pounds due to his rought weight cut.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Nassourdine Imavov: Khamzat Chimaev 'looked different' in UFC 328 loss