The UFC’s middleweight division got here into sharper focus Saturday when Nassourdine Imavov additional cemented himself as a possible title challenger with a powerful five-round resolution win over Caio Borralho in Paris.
Combating in entrance of his dwelling crowd, Imavov (17-4) earned his fifth consecutive win, with all three judges scoring the 185-pound bout for him through scores of 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46.
The victory may propel Imavov right into a championship bid in opposition to Khamzat Chimaev. The UFC has one other high-profile middleweight matchup scheduled in October between Anthony Hernandez (15-2) and Reinier de Ridder (22-2). That struggle may resolve Chimaev’s subsequent opponent. Instantly following his win, Imavov mentioned that he had hoped to complete Borralho (17-2) early within the bout Saturday, however adamantly pleaded his case for the following title shot.
“Contemplating the circumstances, I’m actually pleased with my efficiency,” Imavov mentioned. “On my proper foot, a tendon or one thing like that permit go. It was actually painful. I might have appreciated to get the end, however it’s what it’s.
“I’m subsequent. [Borralho] was unbeaten for 10 years. I simply beat him, and beat him with fashion, as nicely. I have to be the following one.”
In response to UFC Stats, Imavov narrowly outlanded Borralho 100-90 in whole strikes, however Imavov’s offense was a lot cleaner than Borralho’s blows and way more damaging. Imavov fantastically slipped Borralho’s punches and landed counters all night. Imavov maintained a robust presence within the heart of the Octagon, as he reduce off Borralho’s exits. Imavov additionally defended all 5 of Borralho’s takedown makes an attempt.
It’s the primary time Borralho has misplaced within the UFC, and it marked his first loss total since 2015.
“Nassourdine was simply the higher man at present,” Borralho mentioned. “He was very quick, as I used to be anticipating. I couldn’t assault that a lot. I wished to make it entertaining for the followers and the UFC, so I attempted to strike with probably the greatest strikers on this planet. I feel I would like to seek out my adrenaline again. I would like some, not motivation, however I used to be with out adrenaline and couldn’t choose it up on this struggle.”
It was a disappointing evening for The Combating Nerds, the Brazilian MMA group that has erupted lately with viral knockouts and a string of efficiency bonuses. Along with Borralho’s loss, light-weight Mauricio Ruffy (12-2) additionally suffered his first defeat within the UFC. Ruffy, 29, was on the incorrect finish of a lopsided contest in opposition to France’s Benoit Saint Denis, who dominated him on the ground earlier than submitting him with a rear-naked choke within the second spherical.
French fighters went 5-0 on Saturday’s card.
Veteran mild heavyweight Paul Craig (17-10-1), of Scotland, introduced his retirement after a TKO loss to Modestas Bukauskas.
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