Nassourdine Imavov is not as willing to forgive Sean Strickland as Khamzat Chimaev did last weekend. The Russian-French fighter is likely going to be the next challenger for Strickland's middleweight title.

In light of this, he has declared that his rivalry will not end like Chimaev's rivalry with the American

The buildup to last Saturday's main event at UFC 328 was extremely volatile. Security was heightened, face-offs were cancelled, and interactions between the fierce rivals were limited heading into the fight. Despite that, Chimaev kicked Strickland when they faced off during the press conference.

Given all the drama leading up to the fight, many expected their bad blood to continue beyond the fight. However, both fighters shocked the world by embracing in the octagon and squashing their feud. But things won't go that way in Strickland's next fight, says Nassourdine Imavov. The No. 2 ranked middleweight explained his stance on social media.

They say I take things too personally. Damn right. Religion, family, nation… these aren't marketing to me. Every insult comes with a price. You'll pay for it! NO HAPPY ENDING @SStricklandMMA

This response was preceded by another callout from the middleweight contender on X immediately after the final horn at UFC 328.

I'm gonna put your lights out @SStricklandMMA

I'm gonna put your lights out @SStricklandMMA

Strickland responded to this during the UFC 328 post-fight press conference by telling the reporter not to bait him. The middleweight champion's dismissal of this initial callout led to the lengthier, more personal challenge.

Ariel Helwani recently criticized Sean Strickland for apologizing to Chimaev and not sticking to his guns after his controversial comments about the Chechen's religion. Helwani opined that such comments cannot be walked back with a simple apology. Before the card, even Helwani admitted to Strickland's methods being effective, calling UFC 328 the most anticipated card of the Paramount era.

From his comments, it appears as though Imavov falls in the same camp as Helwani. He seemingly does not view Sean Strickland's insults as a mere means to sell the fight. Nevertheless, Imavov and Strickland will likely get a chance to settle it in the octagon, though. After Strickland's victory over Chimaev, both fighters appeared to confirm that their next fight will be against each other.

Sean Strickland leapfrogging Nassourdine Imavov for a title shot drew anger from some fans who believed the deserving fighter was snubbed. Even Imavov himself protested this on social media across multiple posts. However, the fight ultimately moved forward, with UFC 328 reportedly performing extremely well commercially as Sean Strickland went on to reclaim the middleweight title.

During the UFC 328 post-fight press conference, Sean Strickland also confirmed that the first title defense of his second reign would be against Imavov. Strickland confessed to disliking the UFC rankings being overlooked.

They say Nassourdine is next. I truly believe in UFC rankings. I think they matter. I hate when guys jump it. So if that's who the UFC [wants], if that's the rankings, that's who it is. Let's go.

The writing is on the wall for the UFC's middleweight division with the statements from the fighters. After all, Dana White already rubbished the idea of Chimaev receiving a rematch. So, fans may be in for another heated feud for the middleweight title.

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