Nassourdine Imavov will headline the primary UFC card of 2023 when he takes on skilled middleweight Kelvin Gastelum on January 14th on the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Imavov is presently using a three-fight win streak within the UFC octagon and finds himself up in opposition to a competitor in Kelvin Gastelum who’s on a a lot completely different profession trajectory.
We final noticed Nassourdine Imavov face off with Joaquin Buckley at UFC Battle Night time: Gane vs. Tuivasa in Paris, France. On this struggle, Imavov earned a Unanimous Resolution victory in his residence nation and noticed his identify vault into the highest 15 Middleweight rankings.
Main as much as this bout with Gastelum, Nassourdine Imavov took time to talk with James Lynch of LowKickMMA, discussing the anticipation surrounding his upcoming bout.
Pertaining to his most up-to-date victory over Buckley in Paris, Imavov states:
“It was large to struggle for the primary UFC in Paris. It’s been a very long time that we’re awaiting the UFC in France and I’m very completely satisfied to win in Paris with my folks.”
Nassourdine Imavov Grateful to Lastly Battle Gastelum
January 14th can be Imavov’s sixth look within the UFC, and for the primary time, he finds himself as a foremost occasion headliner. Talking about this chance, he continues:
“It’s an excellent factor it’s the primary time for me, and I can’t wait to be right here for the principle occasion…I’m not likely stunned (to be in the principle occasion), I knew that it will occur. My coach mentioned to me that it will occur; I’m not stunned I’m simply very completely satisfied.”
Imavov vs. Gastelum was a struggle initially scheduled to be part of the UFC 273 card again in April, and eventually, in January of 2023, it involves fruition. Nassourdine presents up his feedback in regards to the struggle being rebooked:
“I’m very glad that I can struggle Kelvin Gastelum now. I used to be disenchanted that the struggle was canceled, however now I’m very glad and completely satisfied to struggle in opposition to the large identify that Kelvin Gastelum is.”
Imamov Talks About Gastelum as an Opponent
Kelvin Gastelum is definitely a giant identify and a veteran of the UFC octagon. Gastelum has beforehand been a title challenger in his profession and has fought quite a few legends of the sport alongside his journey. Though Gastelum hasn’t loved a victory since February of 2021, he nonetheless stays probably the most harmful and sturdy Middleweights on the UFC roster. Imavov takes a portion of the interview to speak in regards to the matchup with Gastelum and the way their types will conflict:
“Kelvin is a really powerful man; I’ve a number of respect for him. He’s a warrior like me and I feel his type and my type can be a giant struggle. However I’m right here, I’m additionally a warrior and I feel one among us will (go) down… Kelvin has been within the UFC for a really very long time, and he has fought a number of guys… He’s a younger fighter however he has a number of expertise. He has taken a number of harm over his profession and that’s an excellent factor for me.”
On struggle evening, Imavov can be cornered by his head coach Fernand Lopez however may even be joined by a number of others which are particular to Imavov. Nassourdine reveals two different cornermen that may assist him for this struggle:
“(Lopez) can be in my nook however my massive brother Ibrahim may even be right here, my true sparring companion can be right here, and perhaps Cyril Gane additionally.”
Imavov on Coaching with Cyril Gane
Fellow Frenchman Cyril Gane has loved a lot success within the UFC, and Imavov displays on his alternative to coach with somebody of Gane’s degree. He goes on to talk very extremely of Gane:
“I like to coach with Cyril Gane. I discovered loads with Cyril and after I talked with him, I’m conscious that I’ve a number of obstacles in entrance of me, and I wish to take it the identical approach. (Cyril’s) at all times smiling, and he at all times has an excellent ambiance within the health club.”
Prediction for Battle with Gastelum
Nassourdine Imavov was requested how he thinks this struggle will play out, and his general technique for going through such a troublesome opponent. To this query, Imavov answered:
“Earlier than my struggle in opposition to Joaquin Buckley, I had two victories by knockout. My final win was on factors, however I’ll do all the pieces to knock him out. However I’m conscious that he’ll do the identical factor. Me, I’ll attempt all the pieces to make him a knockout for certain. In fact, a struggle of 5 rounds isn’t like three rounds. All the pieces is longer and more durable, and my sparring and coaching are tougher.”
The long-awaited return of the UFC will happen on January 14th as Nassourdine Imavov and Kelvin Gastelum headline Battle Night time on the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Imavov seems to proceed his win streak, placing his quantity 12 rating within the middleweight division on the road. No.13 ranked Kelvin Gastelum seems for his first win since 2021 and an opportunity to maneuver nearer to a different title shot. UFC followers world wide, tune in and watch as these Middleweight warriors go to battle.
Watch under for the total interview with Nassourdine Imavov:
