Nassourdine Imavov thinks there should be no hesitation that he’s the No. 1 contender after UFC Fight Night 258.
Imavov (17-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) outstruck Caio Borralho (17-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) to win a unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46) in Saturday’s middleweight main event at Accor Arena in Paris.
Borralho started Round 1 off with a high kick, but the first minute of the fight was largely a feeling out process. Borralho’s first four strikes were left high kicks, as Imavov tried to cut off the cage with push kicks. Borralho shot for a takedown, but he was shucked off by Imavov. Imavov then threw a few short shots, prompting Borralho to clinch up and push him to the fence to end the opening frame.
In Round 2, Imavov came out a lot more aggressively, and continued to back Borralho up by ripping to the body and going upstairs. Borralho threw little to no offense, as Imavov started timing him on the counter any time he threw. Imavov connected with a spinning backfist, as Borralho shot for a takedown – but he was easily stuffed. Imavov landed a big left hand, followed by a stinging straight right to decisively win the second round.
Imavov cracked Borralho with a big right to kick off Round 3, but was struck with an accidental low blow shortly, after which caused a break in the action. Borralho landed a straight left which backed Imavov up, followed by a strong leg kick. Imavov connected with a nice combination, but Borralho fired back with one of his own, before getting poked in the eye. Borralho opted to only take a few seconds to recuperate, but was cracked with a big right hook. Borralho shot for a takedown, but Imavov stuffed it once again. Borralho landed a nice right to end the round.
In Round 4, Imavov landed a short elbow in close range, and kicked Borralho below the belt. Borralho opted for no break as the action continued. Imavov ripped to the body and landed a right hook, before stacking Borralho against the cage. Borralho almost landed the foot sweep, but Imavov was able to stay on his feet. Imavov landed a right hand, and Borralho a left body kick. Imavov initiated the clinch, but Borralho broke free and landed a head kick.
In the final round, Borralho’s corner told him he’s down three rounds to one and needs a finish. The Brazilian responded well by landing a nice combination, but Imavov fired back with a big right. Borralho landed a nice left followed by an elbow. Imavov accidentally poked Borralho in the eye again, which caused Goddard to give him a stern warning. Borralho appeared to complain from another eye poke as both fighters were swinging hard leather. With 20 seconds remaining, Borralho attempted a takedown then a spinning back elbow, but was countered by a big Imavov right as the fight came to a close.
Imavov said he was seeking the finish, but felt he hurt a tendon in his right foot which compromised his movement. The 29-year-old called for a title shot as he got the loud French crowd behind him.
Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 258 results:
- Nassourdine Imavov def. Caio Borralho via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
- Benoit Saint Denis def. Mauricio Ruffy via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:56
- Modestas Bukauskas def. Paul Craig via KO (elbow) – Round 1, 5:00
- Mason Jones def. Bolaji Oki via TKO (elbows) – Round 2, 3:18
- Axel Sola def. Rhys McKee via TKO (body shot) – Round 3, 2:02
- William Gomis def. Robert Ruchala via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Oumar Sy def. Brendson Ribeiro via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:42
- Ante Delija def. Marcin Tybura via KO (punches) – Round 1, 2:03
- Kaue Fernandes def. Harry Hardwick via TKO (leg kicks) – Round 1, 3:21
- Sam Patterson def. Trey Waters via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 3:01
- Robert Bryczek def. Brad Tavares via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:43
- Rinat Fakhretdinov def. Andreas Gustafsson via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:54
- Sam Hughes def. Shauna Bannon via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 1:58
