Nassourdine Imavov delivered a methodical efficiency to defeat Caio Borralho by unanimous determination at UFC Paris, establishing himself because the main contender for newly topped middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev’s first title protection. The Frenchman’s victory ended Borralho’s spectacular 16-fight unbeaten streak and marked one other assertion win in his push towards championship gold.
Caio Borralho vs Nassourdine Imavov
The September 6 main event at Accor Arena carried significant implications for the 185-pound division, with many viewing it as a number-one-contender’s bout. Both fighters entered with momentum – Imavov riding a four-fight winning streak including a knockout victory over former champion Israel Adesanya, whereas Borralho had remained undefeated since 2015.
The judges scored the bout 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46 for Imavov, displaying his management all through 5 rounds. The 30-year-old Russian-born fighter successfully managed distance and stress, using his boxing expertise to neutralize Borralho’s offensive threats. Imavov efficiently defended all 5 of Borralho’s takedown makes an attempt whereas demonstrating superior putting accuracy.
Put up-Struggle Declarations and Reactions
Following his victory, Imavov wasted no time calling for a title shot in opposition to Chimaev. “I’m subsequent,” he declared to the Paris crowd throughout his post-fight interview. The assured assertion got here after defeating an opponent who had been unbeaten for a decade, additional cementing Imavov’s credentials because the division’s most deserving challenger.
Borralho remained gracious in defeat, acknowledging his opponent’s superior performance. “Thank you, Nassourdine, for the respect,” He said in his exclusive Caio Borralho interview. “I believe Nassourdine was the higher man at the moment. He was very quick, as I used to be anticipating. He did excellent within the battle. I couldn’t actually adapt my technique that a lot. I needed to make this battle entertaining for the followers and the UFC. So, I attempted to strike with top-of-the-line strikers on this planet and that’s what you guys noticed: a fantastic warfare.”
The Brazilian fighter additionally took time to acknowledge private issues, dedicating his efficiency to his son’s second birthday regardless of the disappointing outcome.
Fighter and Fan Reactions
The MMA group rapidly responded to Imavov’s dominant show. Present middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev supplied congratulations, posting “Good battle! Assalamu Alaykum” on social media. Light-weight champion Islam Makhachev additionally praised the efficiency, writing “Dominant efficiency @imavov1 Congrats bro”.
However, not all reactions favored an immediate title shot for Imavov. Former dual-weight champion Henry Cejudo suggested the upcoming bout between Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez might produce the actual next contender: “Great win for Imavov, but I think the winner of RDR/Fluffy is getting the next title shot”.
Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling questioned Borralho’s game plan, noting: “Another marquee win for Imavov. Tough because I’m wondering what the game plan was of Borralho. I thought he would’ve been looking for the takedown a little more frequently but it seems like he was content to stand up and fight”.
Current Middleweight Division Landscape
The division finds itself in an interesting position following Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant unanimous decision victory over former champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in August. Chimaev turned the brand new champion after controlling du Plessis for 5 rounds, setting the stage for his first title protection.
Current rankings place Chimaev at the top with his perfect 15-0 record, followed by former champion du Plessis at number one contender. Imavov now sits at number two following his victory over Borralho, who dropped to seventh after his first UFC loss.
Sean Strickland stays at quantity three regardless of his earlier loss to du Plessis, whereas different contenders embrace Israel Adesanya at quantity 5 and rising stars like Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez positioned within the high ten.
Future Title Image and Upcoming Fights
The middleweight title image turns into extra advanced with the scheduled October 18 bout between de Ridder and Hernandez in Vancouver. Each fighters have constructed spectacular momentum – de Ridder with victories over Kevin Holland, Bo Nickal, and Robert Whittaker, whereas Hernandez rides an eight-fight profitable streak capped by his submission of Roman Dolidze. It’s a tightly matched battle with tight odds to bet on UFC Fight Night who has a detailed UFC partnership with the group.
UFC CEO Dana White beforehand indicated that each the Imavov-Borralho and de Ridder-Hernandez outcomes would affect the following title shot determination. This creates a state of affairs the place Imavov should wait to see if the Vancouver predominant occasion produces a extra compelling challenger.
Imavov remains confident in his position, arguing that his recent resume speaks for itself. “I have to understand, no one has accomplished what I did over the past year. Five opponents, five top 10 fighters, two finishes. No one else has done that,” he stated following his victory.
What’s Next for Imavov and the Division
Despite potential competition from the upcoming Vancouver headliner, Imavov’s case for a title shot seems sturdy. His five-fight profitable streak consists of victories over top-ranked opponents and showcases the well-rounded ability set wanted to problem Chimaev.
The French fighter’s confidence extends past simply incomes the chance. Throughout battle week, he expressed perception in his potential to defeat the champion, stating: “Individuals claimed that Adesanya was the most effective striker globally and that I couldn’t compete with him on his ft, but I knocked him out. In opposition to Caio, I didn’t have to have interaction, however I did.”
For Borralho, the loss represents his first setback in over a decade, however doesn’t get rid of him from title competition. At 32 years outdated and along with his Preventing Nerds group assist, he stays a harmful contender who might work his approach again towards championship alternatives.
The middleweight division enters an exciting new chapter under Chimaev’s reign, with multiple legitimate contenders positioning themselves for future title shots. Whether Imavov receives immediate consideration or must wait for the de Ridder-Hernandez outcome, middleweight is becoming a great division.
