With a unanimous resolution at UFC Paris, Nassourdine Imavov has made a scientific efficiency to beat Caio Borralho and established himself as a number one contender for newly topped middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev’s first title protection. The Frenchman’s victory ended Boraljo’s spectacular 16-game unbeaten streak, marking one other assertion victory with a push to Championship Gold.
Caio Borralho vs Nassourdine Imavov
The September 6 foremost occasion at Accor Enviornment had quite a lot of significance within the 185 pound division, and lots of noticed it because the primary contender match. Each fighters entered with momentum – Imabov was on a four-game successful streak, together with a knockout victory over former champion Israel Adesanya, however Bolarjo remained undefeated since 2015.
The judges recorded 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46 for Imavov, displaying his management all through the 5 rounds. The 30-year-old Russian-born fighter used his boxing abilities to neutralize Boraljo’s aggressive threats and successfully handle distance and stress. Imavov defended all 5 takedown makes an attempt from Borralho, displaying glorious strike accuracy.
Postwar declarations and reactions
After his victory, Imabov wasted no time searching for a title shot in opposition to Chimaev. “I am going to subsequent,” he declared to the Paris crowd in a postwar interview. The assured assertion got here after beating an opponent who had been undefeated for 10 years, additional strengthening Imabov’s {qualifications} as essentially the most acceptable challenger within the division.
Boraljo remained elegant in defeat, acknowledging his opponent’s glorious efficiency. “Thanks for the respect, Nassoldeen, thanks,” he stated in an interview together with his unique Caio Borralho. “I believe Nassoldeen was a greater particular person as we speak. He was as quick as I anticipated. He did excellent issues within the battle. I actually could not adapt my technique very a lot. I wished to entertain this battle for the followers and the UFC, so I attempted to assault with among the finest strikers on the earth.
The Brazilian fighter additionally took time to acknowledge private points and, regardless of the disappointing outcomes, devoted his efficiency to his son’s second birthday.
Fighter jets and followers’ reactions
The MMA neighborhood rapidly responded to Imavov’s dominant show. Present middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev provided to congratulate him and posted “Good Struggle! Assalamu Alaykum” on social media. Light-weight champion Islam Makhachev praised the efficiency, writing, “Congratulations on Dominant Efficiency @imavov1.”
Nevertheless, not all reactions favored Imavov’s rapid title shot. Former dual-weight champion Henry Sejude urged that upcoming matches between Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez may create the following actual contender.
Former bantamweight champion Aljaman Sterling questioned Boraljo’s sport plan, saying, “Imabov’s different marquee victory. I am questioning what Boraljo’s sport plan is, so I assumed he was searching for a takedown somewhat extra typically, however he seems comfortable to stand up and battle.”
Present surroundings of the center class division
The division finds itself in an fascinating place following Kamza Chimaev’s dominant unanimous victory over former champion Dorikas Duplesis at UFC 319 in August. Chimaev grew to become the brand new champion after controlling Duplesis in 5 rounds and set the stage for his first title protection.
The present rankings put Chimaev on the prime together with his excellent 15-0 report, adopted by former champion Duplesis, the primary contender. Imavov is at present sitting in second place after a victory over Borralho. Borralho got here in seventh place after the primary UFC loss.
Sean Strickland stays third regardless of his earlier loss to Duplesis, however different candidates embody Israel Adesanya in fifth place, with rising stars like Renier de Rider and Anthony Hernandez within the prime 10.
Future title pictures and future battles
The photograph of the middleweight title shall be sophisticated by the October 18 match between Vancouver’s De Lidar and Hernandez. Each fighters constructed a powerful momentum for De Lidder, who defeated Kevin Holland, Beau Nickal and Robert Whitaker. In the meantime, Hernandez is using an eight-game successful streak, coated in Rome’s obedience. Betting on UFC Struggle Night time, which has a detailed UFC partnership with the group, is a detailed match.
UFC CEO Dana White beforehand confirmed that each Imavov-Borralho and De Ridder-Hernandez’s outcomes would have an effect on the choice of the following title shot. This creates a situation the place Imavov has to attend to see if the principle occasion in Vancouver produces extra partaking challengers.
Imavov is assured in his place, claiming that his latest resume speaks for itself. “I’ve to grasp. Nobody has achieved what I did previously yr. 5 opponents, 5 prime 10 fighters, two finishes. Nobody else did that,” he stated after the victory.
What’s subsequent for Imavov and Division?
Regardless of potential competitors with Vancouver’s headliner sooner or later, Imabov’s case seems to be robust. His 5 consecutive wins embody victory over top-ranked opponents, displaying off the balanced talent set wanted to problem Chimev.
The boldness of French fighters is extra than simply gaining alternatives. Through the week of battle, he expressed his perception in his skill to defeat champions, saying:
For Borralho, the loss represents his first set flip of over a decade, however doesn’t rule him out of title battle. At 32, with the help of a fight nerd workforce, he stays a harmful candidate who can work in a manner again to championship alternatives.
The middleweight division enters an thrilling new chapter underneath Chimaev’s reign, with a number of reliable candidates inserting themselves for future title pictures. Whether or not Imavov is on rapid consideration or ready for the end result of De Ridder-Hernandez, the middleweight is turning into a terrific division.
