Imavov Destroys Borralho in Paris: Next Title Challenge Against Chimaev?

Imavov Consolidates and Emerges as a Contender for the UFC Middleweight Title

Nassourdine Imavov proved his worth in the UFC middleweight division by obtaining a unanimous decision victory over Caio Borralho in Paris. Imavov (17-4), fighting in front of his audience, achieved his fifth consecutive victory. The judges scored the fight 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46 in his favor. This victory could catapult Imavov to a championship opportunity against Khamzat Chimaev. The UFC has scheduled another high-profile middleweight fight in October between Anthony Hernandez (15-2) and Reinier de Ridder (22-2), a fight that 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 to the end, but it is what it is.

Imavov

Imavov added: “I am next. Borralho was undefeated for 10 years. I just beat him, and I beat him in style. I need to be next.” According to UFC statistics, Imavov surpassed Borralho in total strikes (100-90), but his offense was more precise and damaging. Imavov dodged Borralho’s strikes and landed counterattacks throughout the night. He maintained a strong presence in the center of the octagon, cutting off Borralho’s exits and defending his five takedown attempts. This is Borralho’s first loss in the UFC and his first loss since 2015.

Borralho commented: “Nassourdine was the best man today. He was very fast, as I expected. I couldn’t attack 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 something, not motivation, but I was without adrenaline and I couldn’t recover it in this fight.” It was a disappointing night for The Fighting Nerds. In addition to Borralho’s defeat, lightweight Mauricio Ruffy (12-2) also suffered his first loss in the UFC. Ruffy, 29, lost to Frenchman Benoit Saint Denis, who dominated him on the ground and submitted him with a rear naked choke in the second round. The French fighters had an outstanding performance by winning all their fights. Veteran light heavyweight Paul Craig (17-10-1), from Scotland, announced his retirement after a TKO loss to Modestas Bukauskas.