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 principal occasion at Accor Area 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 profitable 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 stress, 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-Battle Declarations and Reactions
Following his victory, Imavov wasted no time calling for a title shot towards 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 stated in his unique Caio Borralho interview. “I feel 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 probably the greatest strikers on this planet and that’s what you guys noticed: an awesome warfare.”
The Brazilian fighter additionally took time to acknowledge private issues, dedicating his efficiency to his son’s second birthday regardless of the disappointing consequence.
Fighter and Fan Reactions
The MMA group rapidly 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”.
Nonetheless, not all reactions favored a right away title shot for Imavov. Former dual-weight champion Henry Cejudo recommended the upcoming bout between Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez would possibly produce the precise subsequent contender: “Nice win for Imavov, however I feel the winner of RDR/Fluffy is getting the following title shot”.
Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling questioned Borralho’s recreation plan, noting: “One other marquee win for Imavov. Robust as a result of I’m questioning what the sport plan was of Borralho. I assumed he would’ve been searching for the takedown a little bit extra continuously nevertheless it looks like he was content material to face up and battle”.
Present Middleweight Division Panorama
The division finds itself in an attention-grabbing 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 high along with his excellent 15-0 report, 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 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 guess on UFC Battle Night time who has an in depth 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 choice. This creates a situation the place Imavov should wait to see if the Vancouver principal occasion produces a extra compelling challenger.
Imavov stays assured in his place, arguing that his latest resume speaks for itself. “I’ve to grasp, nobody has achieved what I did over the previous yr. 5 opponents, 5 high 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 profitable streak contains victories over top-ranked opponents and showcases the well-rounded talent set wanted to problem Chimaev.
The French fighter’s confidence extends past simply incomes the chance. Throughout battle week, he expressed perception in his capacity to defeat the champion, stating: “Folks claimed that Adesanya was one of the best striker globally and that I couldn’t compete with him on his ft, but I knocked him out. Towards 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 remove him from title competition. At 32 years outdated and along with his Combating Nerds workforce assist, he stays a harmful contender who may work his means again towards championship alternatives.
The middleweight division enters an thrilling new chapter beneath Chimaev’s reign, with a number of reputable contenders positioning themselves for future title photographs. Whether or not Imavov receives fast consideration or should await the de Ridder-Hernandez end result, middleweight is changing into an awesome division.
