Nassourdine Imavov delivered a methodical efficiency to defeat Caio Borralho by unanimous choice 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 primary occasion at Accor Enviornment carried vital implications for the 185-pound division, with many viewing it as a number-one-contender’s bout. Each fighters entered with momentum – Imavov using a four-fight successful streak together with 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, exhibiting his management all through 5 rounds. The 30-year-old Russian-born fighter successfully managed distance and strain, using his boxing abilities to neutralize Borralho’s offensive threats. Imavov efficiently defended all 5 of Borralho’s takedown makes an attempt whereas demonstrating superior putting accuracy.
Publish-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 efficiency. “Thanks, Nassourdine, for the respect,” He mentioned in his unique Caio Borralho interview. “I believe Nassourdine was the higher man in the present day. 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 the most effective strikers on the earth and that’s what you guys noticed: an excellent conflict.”
The Brazilian fighter additionally took time to acknowledge private issues, dedicating his efficiency to his son’s second birthday regardless of the disappointing end result.
Fighter and Fan Reactions
The MMA neighborhood shortly responded to Imavov’s dominant show. Present middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev provided congratulations, posting “Good battle! Assalamu Alaykum” on social media. Light-weight champion Islam Makhachev additionally praised the efficiency, writing “Dominant efficiency @imavov1 Congrats bro”.
Nevertheless, not all reactions favored an instantaneous title shot for Imavov. Former dual-weight champion Henry Cejudo urged the upcoming bout between Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez may produce the precise subsequent contender: “Nice win for Imavov, however I believe the winner of RDR/Fluffy is getting the subsequent title shot”.
Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling questioned Borralho’s recreation plan, noting: “One other marquee win for Imavov. Powerful as a result of I’m questioning what the sport plan was of Borralho. I believed he would’ve been on the lookout for the takedown slightly extra often nevertheless it looks like he was content material to face up and battle”.
Present Middleweight Division Panorama
The division finds itself in an fascinating place following Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant unanimous choice 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.
Present rankings place Chimaev on the prime along with his excellent 15-0 file, adopted by former champion du Plessis at primary contender. Imavov now sits at quantity 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 embody Israel Adesanya at quantity 5 and rising stars like Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez positioned within the prime 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 successful streak capped by his submission of Roman Dolidze. It’s a tightly matched battle with tight odds to guess on UFC Struggle Night time 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 subsequent title shot choice. This creates a state of affairs the place Imavov should wait to see if the Vancouver primary occasion produces a extra compelling challenger.
Imavov stays assured in his place, arguing that his latest resume speaks for itself. “I’ve to know, nobody has achieved what I did over the previous 12 months. 5 opponents, 5 prime 10 fighters, two finishes. Nobody else has carried out that,” he said following his victory.
What’s Subsequent for Imavov and the Division
Regardless of potential competitors from the upcoming Vancouver headliner, Imavov’s case for a title shot seems sturdy. His five-fight successful streak contains 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 capability to defeat the champion, stating: “Folks claimed that Adesanya was the most effective striker globally and that I couldn’t compete with him on his toes, but I knocked him out. Towards Caio, I didn’t have to interact, however I did.”
For Borralho, the loss represents his first setback in over a decade, however doesn’t remove him from title rivalry. At 32 years previous and along with his Preventing Nerds group help, he stays a harmful contender who may work his approach again towards championship alternatives.
The middleweight division enters an thrilling new chapter underneath Chimaev’s reign, with a number of authentic contenders positioning themselves for future title pictures. Whether or not Imavov receives speedy consideration or should look forward to the de Ridder-Hernandez consequence, middleweight is turning into an excellent division.
