Faith and fighting often walk hand in hand. For some athletes, religion is a quiet force in the background. For others, it’s the compass guiding every step. In the case of Nassourdine Imavov, the French-Dagestani contender chasing UFC gold, the question is simple: what role does religion play in his story?

Imavov isn’t just another fighter climbing the middleweight ladder. He carries the weight of culture, heritage, and belief into the Octagon. But what faith does he follow? And how has it shaped the way he trains, competes, and sees the fight game? Let’s take a closer look.

 What is Nassourdine Imavov’s Religion?

So, does Nassourdine Imavov follow Islam? The answer is yes. The 30-year-old has spoken openly about his faith, especially during Ramadan.

“During Ramadan, I focus on staying fit. I usually train late in the evening, about an hour or slightly more before it’s time to eat. That way, I can give it my all, and when I get home, I can eat right away. The key mistake to avoid is training like you normally would, such as working out at 10 o’clock in the morning and again in the evening,” Imavov explained during his appearance on the Zack en Route Libre podcast.

Ramadan is an important religious observance during which Muslims around the world fast for the entire month. Many UFC fighters, including Dagestani legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and Umar Nurmagomedov, take a step back from active competition and intense training during this period.

However, Nassourdine Imavov takes a different approach, keeping his evening workouts light just before breaking his fast. This approach makes the 30-year-old fighter stand out among his Dagestani counterparts. 

Unlike many of his peers, he moved from Dagestan to France at a young age, seeking a better life and the opportunity to carve out a name for himself in the world of combat sports. This balance of discipline and adaptation sets him apart. But religion isn’t the only influence shaping Imavov’s path.

Religion and Cultural Influence on His Fighting Career

Born on March 1, 1995, in Khasavyurt, Dagestan, ‘The Sniper’ comes from a Kumyk ethnic family. At just nine years old, he and his family left Russia for France, chasing better opportunities.

That move changed everything. While his Dagestani roots remain strong, his fighting career truly began in France. Boxing was his first love, a craft that later gave him knockout power inside the cage. By 19, Imavov moved to Paris with his brother Daguir, joining Fernand Lopez’s MMA Factory. Years later, he transitioned to Venum Training Camp under Nicolas Ott, sharpening his arsenal even further.

Despite his Dagestani roots, he proudly represents France in competitions, including his UFC debut at UFC on ESPN 16, headlined by Holm vs. Aldana, where he made an impressive arrival with a victory.

Today, Imavov stands on the cusp of something greater. Already riding a wave of momentum with his brutal finish of Israel Adesanya in his last outing, he’s set to headline against Caio Borralho at UFC Paris. A win here could catapult him into title conversations against Khamzat Chimaev!