Imavov Triumphs: Commanding Victory and Middleweight Title Aspirations
Nassourdine Imavov proved his worth in the UFC middleweight division on Saturday, solidifying himself as a title contender after an impressive unanimous decision victory over Caio Borralho in Paris. Before his local audience, Imavov (17-4) added his fifth consecutive victory, with the three judges awarding him the victory in the 185-pound fight with scores of 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46. This victory could catapult Imavov into a championship fight against Khamzat Chimaev. The UFC has scheduled another high-profile middleweight matchup in October between Anthony Hernandez (15-2) and Reinier de Ridder (22-2). This fight could define Chimaev’s next opponent. Considering the circumstances, I am very happy with my performance. In my right foot, a tendon or something like that came loose. It was very painful. I would have liked to get the finish, but it is what it is.According to UFC statistics, Imavov slightly outstruck Borralho in total strikes, 100-90, but Imavov’s offense was much more accurate and damaging than Borralho’s strikes. Imavov evaded Borralho’s strikes and landed counter-strikes throughout the night. He maintained a strong presence in the center of the octagon, cutting off Borralho’s exits. Furthermore, he defended all five of Borralho’s takedown attempts. This is the first time Borralho has lost in the UFC, and it marked his first loss overall since 2015.I am next. Borralho was undefeated for 10 years. I just beat him, and I beat him in style too. I need to be next.
Nassourdine Imavov
It was a disappointing night for The Fighting Nerds, the Brazilian MMA team that has exploded in recent years with viral knockouts and a series of performance bonuses. In addition to Borralho’s defeat, lightweight Mauricio Ruffy (12-2) also suffered his first loss in the UFC. Ruffy, 29, was on the wrong side of a lopsided fight against Frenchman Benoit Saint Denis, who dominated him on the ground before submitting him with a rear naked choke in the second round. French fighters went 5-0 on Saturday’s card. Veteran light heavyweight Paul Craig (17-10-1), from Scotland, announced his retirement after a TKO loss to Modestas Bukauskas.Nassourdine was simply the better man today. He was very fast, as I expected. I couldn’t attack as much. I wanted it to be entertaining for the fans and the UFC, so I tried to fight one of the best strikers in the world. I think I need to recover my adrenaline. I need a little bit of, not motivation, but I was without adrenaline and I couldn’t recover it in this fight.
Caio Borralho
