Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

UFC middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov sounds confident he’ll get his long-awaited shot at the title against Sean Strickland.

Sean Strickland reclaimed the UFC middleweight title by handing Khamzat Chimaev his first loss earlier this year at UFC 328. Strickland defeated Chimaev by split decision to become one of the few two-time UFC middleweight titleholders in the promotion’s history.

After Strickland and Chimaev’s legendary showdown, speculation ran rampant that they would run it back in an immediate rematch later this year. Chimaev initially teased a full-time move to light heavyweight before changing his mind and refocusing on contending at 185 lbs.

As Chimaev prepares for a potential return to the Octagon, Strickland will turn his attention towards a likely rematch years in the making with top contender Nassourdine Imavov. In a short-notice matchup, Strickland defeated Imavov at the UFC Apex to continue his ascent in the middleweight division.

Almost a full year removed from Imavov’s last UFC appearance, the UFC matchmakers haven’t announced or confirmed Imavov as the next title challenger. Fight fans got the closest thing to a confirmation ahead of the UFC’s return to Paris.

Nassourdine Imavov ‘has the date’ for Sean Strickland title rematch

During a recent Q&A session with fans ahead of UFC Paris, Imavov was pressed on a timeline for his desired middleweight title shot.

“I know the date for my next fight, and it is for the title,” Imavov confirmed.

Strickland vs. Imavov could potentially take place at the upcoming Madison Square Garden card in November. UFC 334’s full card hasn’t been announced, and it could potentially feature a heavyweight title unification bout between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane.

In the meantime, it sounds like Imavov will get his long-desired title shot later this year.

What is your early prediction for Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov 2? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM