Imavov Consolidates and Seeks the Middleweight Title in the UFC
Nassourdine Imavov proved his worth in the UFC middleweight division on Saturday, solidifying himself as a potential title contender after an impressive unanimous decision victory over Caio Borralho in Paris. Imavov (17-4), fighting in front of his audience, secured his fifth consecutive victory. The three judges scored the 185-pound fight in his favor with scorecards 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 matchup in October between Anthony Hernandez (15-2) and Reinier de Ridder (22-2). That 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 to the end, but it is what it is.
Nassourdine Imavov
According to UFC statistics, Imavov outstruck Borralho in total strikes by a narrow margin of 100-90, but Imavov’s offense was much more accurate and damaging. Imavov dodged Borralho’s strikes and landed counter-punches throughout the night. He maintained a strong presence in the center of the octagon, cutting off Borralho’s exits. He also defended Borralho’s five takedown attempts. This was Borralho’s first loss in the UFC, and 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 defeat 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 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 of, not motivation, but I was without adrenaline and couldn’t recover it in this fight.
Caio Borralho
