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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 at the moment 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 totally different profession trajectory.
We final noticed Nassourdine Imavov face off with Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Tuivasa in Paris, France. On this battle, Imavov earned a Unanimous Decision 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 enormous to battle 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 shall be Imavov’s sixth look within the UFC, and for the primary time, he finds himself as a principal 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 primary occasion…I’m probably not stunned (to be in the primary occasion), I knew that it could occur. My coach stated to me that it could occur; I’m not stunned I’m simply very completely satisfied.”
Imavov vs. Gastelum was a battle initially scheduled to be part of the UFC 273 card again in April, and eventually, in January of 2023, it involves fruition. Nassourdine gives up his feedback concerning the battle being rebooked:
“I’m very glad that I can battle Kelvin Gastelum now. I used to be upset that the battle was canceled, however now I’m very glad and completely satisfied to battle in opposition to the massive identify that Kelvin Gastelum is.”
Imamov Talks About Gastelum as an Opponent
Kelvin Gastelum is actually 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 one of the vital harmful and sturdy Middleweights on the UFC roster. Imavov takes a portion of the interview to speak concerning the matchup with Gastelum and the way their kinds 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 shall be a giant battle. However I’m right here, I’m additionally a warrior and I feel considered one of 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 injury over his profession and that’s a great factor for me.”
On battle evening, Imavov shall be cornered by his head coach Fernand Lopez however may even be joined by a couple of others which are particular to Imavov. Nassourdine reveals two different cornermen that can help him for this battle:
“(Lopez) shall be in my nook however my huge brother Ibrahim may even be right here, my true sparring associate shall be right here, and possibly 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 stage. He goes on to talk very extremely of Gane:
“I really like to coach with Cyril Gane. I realized so much with Cyril and after I talked with him, I’m conscious that I’ve a number of obstacles in entrance of me, and I need to take it the identical manner. (Cyril’s) at all times smiling, and he at all times has an excellent ambiance within the gymnasium.”
Prediction for Battle with Gastelum
Nassourdine Imavov was requested how he thinks this battle will play out, and his total technique for dealing with such a tricky opponent. To this query, Imavov answered:
“Earlier than my battle in opposition to Joaquin Buckley, I had two victories by knockout. My final win was on factors, however I’ll do every thing to knock him out. However I’m conscious that he’ll do the identical factor. Me, I’ll strive every thing to make him a knockout for positive. After all, a battle of 5 rounds shouldn’t be like three rounds. All the things is longer and more durable, and my sparring and coaching are harder.”
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 appears to be like to proceed his win streak, placing his quantity 12 rating within the middleweight division on the road. No.13 ranked Kelvin Gastelum appears to be like for his first win since 2021 and an opportunity to maneuver nearer to a different title shot. UFC followers all over the world, tune in and watch as these Middleweight warriors go to battle.
Watch beneath for the complete interview with Nassourdine Imavov:
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