Mixed Martial Arts: Benoit Saint Denis and Nassourdine Imavov clinch victory in the fourth UFC Paris event, held in France.
In the main event of UFC Paris, Nassourdine Imavov, the number two middleweight contender, secured a submission victory over Caio Borralho in a closely contested fight.
Imavov, a 30-year-old Frenchman, has been on a four-consecutive win streak against top 10 members. His impressive performance against Borralho, ranked 7th in the middleweight category, further solidified his position in the division.
The fight did not result in a knockout for Imavov, but he demonstrated his striking prowess, landing 69 head strikes during the contest, compared to Borralho's 28. The victory came in the second round via submission, with a rear-naked choke.
Prior to this victory, Imavov had suffered two defeats, including one against Renato Moicano in September 2024. However, he bounced back strongly, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Borralho, who has a record of 32 wins, 17 losses, and 2 draws, put up a valiant effort but was ultimately outclassed by Imavov. The fight went the distance, ending in a unanimous decision after five rounds.
Meanwhile, Benoit Saint Denis, ranked 13th in the lightweight category, also had a successful night at UFC Paris. He defeated Mauricio Ruffy in a fight that saw him dominate the first round and execute his strategy to perfection. Saint Denis, who had a previous win against Canadian Kyle Prepolec in May, has been working with trainer Nicolas Ott since changing his entourage.
Nicolas Ott has become indispensable in French MMA, alongside the trainer Christophe Savoca, who is crucial to Saint Denis's success.
After the fight, an elated Imavov claimed that if he wins, he would be the next title contender. He repeated this claim on the ring after the fight, asserting that he is the next title fight without any hesitation. Saint Denis, who suffered two defeats earlier this year, also expressed gratitude towards his team and the audience for their support and belief in him.
This victory marks an exciting turn of events in the UFC's middleweight division, with Imavov staking his claim for a title shot. The UFC's next move remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - the division is heating up, and fans can expect some thrilling fights in the coming months.
