TLDR
- Nassourdine Imavov’s mother disapproves of his fight against Khamzat Chimaev, saying it shouldn’t be between two Muslim fighters
- UFC fans are calling for Imavov to be cut after he made honest comments about his title shot prospects
- Joaquin Buckley has issued a $50,000 challenge to Khamzat Chimaev for his next fight
- The Imavov vs Chimaev matchup remains scheduled despite family objections and fan controversy
- The situation highlights cultural tensions in MMA when fighters from similar backgrounds face each other
Sources: Yahoo Sports | Bloody Elbow | MMA Fighting
Nassourdine Imavov’s mother has expressed her disapproval of her son’s upcoming fight against Khamzat Chimaev, stating that the bout shouldn’t happen between two Muslim fighters. The French middleweight is scheduled to face Chimaev in a high-profile UFC matchup that has generated controversy both inside and outside the octagon.
Imavov’s mother told media outlets that she believes the fight “shouldn’t be between two brothers,” referring to the shared Muslim faith between her son and Chimaev. Her comments highlight the personal and cultural tensions that can arise in mixed martial arts when fighters from similar backgrounds are matched against each other.
Fan Backlash Over Title Shot Comments
The matchup has taken an unexpected turn as Imavov faces criticism from UFC fans on social media. Many fans have called on UFC President Dana White to cut the fighter “immediately” after Imavov made honest comments about his position regarding a title shot.
While the specific details of Imavov’s comments were not fully disclosed, the backlash appears to stem from the fighter’s candid assessment of his championship prospects. Some fans viewed his statements as lacking the competitive drive expected from top UFC contenders.
Nassourdine Imavov says his mother believes brothers should not fight when speaking about Khamzat Chimaev 🤝🥹
“Here it’s certainly hard to understand, but in the Caucasus Mountains it’s going to make some noise. I called my mother to ask her about the fight; she doesn’t know… pic.twitter.com/7KWkCgWU7U
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 16, 2025
The French fighter currently holds a strong record in the middleweight division and has been working his way up the rankings. His bout with Chimaev represents one of the biggest opportunities of his career, despite the personal reservations expressed by his family.
Buckley Throws Down $50K Challenge
While Imavov prepares for Chimaev, another middleweight contender has entered the conversation. Joaquin Buckley has publicly issued a $50,000 challenge to Chimaev for his next fight.
Buckley’s challenge adds another layer to the competitive landscape in the middleweight division. The fighter, known for his knockout power and aggressive style, appears eager to test himself against one of the division’s most feared competitors.
Chimaev has not yet responded to Buckley’s financial challenge. The Chechen-born Swedish fighter remains focused on his scheduled bout with Imavov.
The controversy surrounding Imavov’s fight comes at a time when the middleweight division is seeing increased competition for title contention. Chimaev entered the UFC with an undefeated record and quickly rose through the ranks with dominant performances.
Joaquin Buckley says he'll give Khamzat Chimaev $50K if he keeps the fight standing for one round in his next fight 😭
"Khamzat, take that money or show that you're a punk by using that wrestling in the first five seconds."
(via @Newmansa94) pic.twitter.com/WkpvDGBuvw
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 12, 2025
Imavov has built his reputation on technical striking and well-rounded skills. The 28-year-old fighter has earned multiple victories in the UFC and is looking to break into title contention with a win over Chimaev.
The cultural and religious concerns raised by Imavov’s mother reflect ongoing discussions within combat sports about matchmaking between fighters from similar backgrounds. Some fighters and their families prefer not to compete against those who share their faith or cultural heritage.
Despite the family objections and fan criticism, the fight between Imavov and Chimaev remains scheduled. The UFC has not commented on the controversy surrounding the matchup or the calls from fans to take action against Imavov.
Buckley’s $50,000 challenge to Chimaev represents an alternative option should the current matchup fall through. However, no indication has been given that the scheduled bout will be canceled or postponed.
