Nassourdine Imavov believes the UFC gifted Caio Borralho the opportunity to fight him.
Imavov (16-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) takes on Borralho (17-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) in a pivotal 185-pound clash, which headlines Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 258 (ESPN+) at Accor Arena in Paris.
With Reinier de Ridder taking on Anthony Hernandez in the UFC Fight Night 262 headliner Oct. 18 in Vancouver, Imavov was asked if he sees the middleweight picture as a tournament bracket.
“There won’t be a semifinal,” Imavov told reporters in French during Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 258 media day. With a win, I’m the next contender. Like I said, no one has done what I’ve done: Five wins. Who knocked out Israel (Adesanya) in that fashion? Who did? So, no, I’m the next contender for the title.”
Imavov sees Borralho as a downgrade from his past opponent, Adesanya, and believes he shouldn’t be in the title picture. Borralho hasn’t competed since a decision win over Jared Cannonier last August.
“For me, yes,” Imavov said. “He deserves? I don’t agree with that. Why does he deserve? For what reason? What has he done? It’s been a year since he last fought. Last year he fought twice. He doesn’t deserve it more than De Ridder. De Ridder deserves it more than him. You know what I mean? What’s the reason? Why is he this privileged? He’s a kiss-ass.”
