Nassourdine Imavov Beats Caio Borralho in Tactical
French Precision on Full Display in Middleweight Main Event
On September 6, 2025, inside the roaring Accor Arena in Paris, Nassourdine Imavov delivered a calculated and commanding performance against Brazil’s Caio Borralho, earning a unanimous decision victory with scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46 at the top of the UFC Paris card. In front of a home crowd, Imavov showcased elite distance management, takedown defense, and striking accuracy—cementing his place among the top middleweight contenders in the world.
Round-by-Round Breakdown: Imavov’s Jab, Timing, and Takedown Defense Shine
The fight opened with Borralho throwing a series of high kicks, but Imavov quickly adjusted, cutting off the cage with push kicks and short counters. Borralho attempted a takedown late in Round 1, but Imavov shucked it off and ended the frame with clean shots in the clinch.
In Round 2, Imavov turned up the pressure, ripping to the body and landing a spinning backfist that stunned Borralho. Every time Borralho threw, Imavov countered with precision, stuffing another takedown and landing a stinging left-right combination.
Round 3 saw Borralho briefly come alive with a straight left and leg kick, but Imavov responded with a crisp combo and stuffed yet another takedown. A right hook punctuated the round for the Frenchman.
In the championship rounds, Imavov continued to control the pace. He landed short elbows, body shots, and right hooks while defending clinch attempts and foot sweeps. Borralho’s corner urged him to go for the finish in Round 5, but Imavov’s counters and cage control kept him in command until the final bell.
Imavov’s Statement: “I Am Next”
Following the win, Imavov declared his intentions loud and clear: “I. Am. Next.” The French standout called for a shot at newly crowned middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, citing Borralho’s nine-year unbeaten streak and his own five-fight UFC win streak as proof he’s earned the opportunity.
“Absolutely, no hesitation whatsoever — I’m next. It’s been 10 years that [Borralho] was unbeaten and I’ve beaten him, and I’ve beaten him with style as well” — Imavov post-fight
What’s Next for Imavov?
With his fifth straight UFC win and second main event victory of the year, Imavov has positioned himself as a legitimate title contender. His ability to neutralize a dangerous opponent like Borralho without ever being in serious danger speaks volumes about his championship readiness.
Borralho, who entered the bout with a perfect UFC record and a reputation for grappling dominance, was unable to impose his game. Imavov’s takedown defense and counterstriking exposed the gaps in Borralho’s approach and halted his momentum.
For full fight stats and post-fight interviews, visit MMA Junkie’s recap and Yahoo Sports’ breakdown.
