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Brett Okamoto
The UFC’s middleweight division got here into sharper concentrate on Saturday, as Nassourdine Imavov additional cemented himself as a possible title challenger with a formidable five-round choice win over Caio Borralho in Paris.
Combating in entrance of his residence crowd, Imavov (17-4) earned his fifth consecutive win, with all three judges scoring the 185-pound bout for him by way of 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), which may come into play in deciding Chimaev’s subsequent opponent. Instantly following his win, Imavov mentioned he had hoped to get a end on Saturday, however adamantly pleaded his case for the subsequent title shot.
“Contemplating the circumstances, I am actually proud of my efficiency,” Imavov mentioned. “On my proper foot, a tendon or one thing like that allow go. It was actually painful. I might have favored 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 type as effectively. I should be the subsequent one.”
In accordance with UFC Stats, Imavov narrowly outlanded Borralho (17-2) 100-90 in complete strikes, however his offense was a lot cleaner and way more damaging than Borralho. He fantastically slipped Borralho’s punches and landed counters all night. He maintained a powerful presence within the heart of the Octagon, as he walked Borralho down and lower off his exits. He additionally defended all 5 of Borralho’s takedown makes an attempt.
It is the primary time Borralho has misplaced within the UFC, and marked his first loss general since 2015.
“Nassourdine was simply the higher man at present,” Borralho mentioned. “He was very quick, as I used to be anticipating. I could not assault that a lot. I wished to make it entertaining for the followers and the UFC, so I attempted to strike with among the best strikers on the planet. I feel I want to search out my adrenaline again. I want some, not motivation, however I used to be with out adrenaline and could not decide it up on this struggle.”
It was a disappointing evening for The Combating Nerds, the Brazilian MMA crew 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 mistaken 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.
Additionally of notice, veteran gentle heavyweight Paul Craig (17-10-1), of Scotland, introduced his retirement from the game following a TKO loss to Modestas Bukauskas.
