Imavov Establishes Himself as a Contender in the UFC Middleweight Division
Nassourdine Imavov solidified his position as a strong title contender in the UFC middleweight division on Saturday, following an impressive decision victory over Caio Borralho in Paris. Imavov (17-4), fighting in front of his audience, achieved his fifth consecutive victory. The three judges scored the 185-pound fight in his favor with results of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46. This victory could propel Imavov to a championship fight against Khamzat Chimaev. The UFC has scheduled another high-profile middleweight bout in October between Anthony Hernandez (15-2) and Reinier de Ridder (22-2). That match could determine Chimaev’s next opponent.Immediately after his victory, Imavov expressed his wish to have finished Borralho (17-2) earlier, but vehemently defended his right to the next title opportunity.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.
Nassourdine Imavov
According to UFC Stats, Imavov slightly outstruck Borralho in total strikes, 100-90, but Imavov’s offense was much more accurate and damaging. Imavov elegantly dodged 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, Imavov defended all five of Borralho’s takedown attempts. This was Borralho’s first loss in the UFC and his first loss since 2015.I am next. Borralho was undefeated for 10 years. I just beat him, and I beat him with style too. I need to be next.
Nassourdine Imavov
It was a disappointing night for The Fighting Nerds, the Brazilian MMA team that has gained popularity 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 defeat in the UFC. Ruffy, 29, was outmatched by Frenchman Benoit Saint Denis, who dominated him on the ground before submitting him with a rear-naked choke in the second round. The 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 to make it entertaining for the fans and the UFC, so I tried to strike with one of the best strikers in the world. I think I need to recover my adrenaline. I need a little bit, not motivation, but I was without adrenaline and I couldn’t recover it in this fight.
Caio Borralho
