Imavov emerges as a middleweight title contender after defeating Borralho
The UFC middleweight division finds itself at a crucial juncture, with Nassourdine Imavov solidifying himself as a potential title contender after an impressive unanimous decision victory over Caio Borralho in Paris. Imavov, fighting in front of his audience, obtained his fifth consecutive victory, with all three judges awarding him the victory with scores of 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46. This victory could propel Imavov to a championship fight against Khamzat Chimaev. The UFC has another high-profile middleweight matchup scheduled in October between Anthony Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder. That fight could determine 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
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 than Borralho’s strikes. Imavov evaded Borralho’s strikes and landed counter-punches throughout the night. In addition, he maintained a strong presence in the center of the Octagon, cutting off Borralho’s exits and defending his opponent’s five takedown attempts. This is 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 with style too. I need to be next.
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 also suffered his first defeat in the UFC. Ruffy, 29, was on the losing side of an uneven 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. The veteran light heavyweight Paul Craig, 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 much. I wanted it to be 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 get my adrenaline back. I need something, not motivation, but I was without adrenaline and couldn’t get it back in this fight.
Borralho
