UFC Paris Winner Nassourdine Imavov ‘Not Worried’ About #1 Spot Snub For Title Shot

No. 2-ranked UFC middleweight Nassourdine Imavov is fresh off a decisive win and sweeping out Caio Borralho this Saturday. Already a former #1 contender. Imavov relinquished his stakes to title backup for this grudge match in what was essentially a title eliminator, of sorts.

But it wasn’t the only one. In the lead-up, even before UFC Fight Night 258 in Paris, the UFC CEO had already hinted at the high-stakes title implications. But, after more recent wins, UFC Vancouver, AKA UFC Fight Night: de Ridder vs. Hernandez, also got booked as another middleweight contender bout.

For now, though, Nassourdine Imavov feels quite secure and not sweating the Vancouver Fight Night top bill, Live from Rogers Arena.

I’m not even worried about the next fight …You have to realize, no one did what I did for the last year. Five opponents, five top 10 guys, two finishes. No one did that…

Nassourdine Imavov in a backstage interview to OG Shawny Mack for Full Send MMA (@full_send_mma)

The consensus thought that applied was if the UFC Fight Night 258 top bill, AKA UFC Paris, ended in a finish, either the Frenchman or Caio Borralho would crack the Middleweight title picture, against Khamzat Chimaev. The newly crowned UFC 185-pound champion even took note of the win and reacted to it soon. However, it didn’t end that way, and without a finish, Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez have equal chances to get there now.

However, the 185-pound title cycled between past champs [UFC 293], his conqueror [UFC 297, UFC 312], and, in turn, his conqueror [UFC 305, UFC 319] for a handful of PPV title bookings. Imavov states no one quite did string up a 5-fight winning streak like he did, which puts him ahead.

UFC’s 2024 breakout star Borralho got more than near with a long 16-fight MMA winning streak. Both RDR and #6 middleweight ‘Fluffy’ Hernandez (7-fight streak since DWCS) also make the case. But ‘The Sniper’ touts big wins like Joaquin Buckley, Edmen Shahbazyan, Ian Heinisch, and former champ Israel Adesanya.

This is why he thinks the brand wins and a nod from the champ puts him ahead, for now. Speaking of Adesanya, the former middleweight king has pustulated his own way how Imavov can give Khamzat Chimaev troubles, after UFC Paris.

Israel Adesanya gives his take how Nassourdine Imavov could pose problems for the champ

MMAGold Fight Team’s Hernandez hasn’t been finished or outscored since UFC Fight Night: Assuncao vs. Moraes 2 in 2019. Meanwhile, Dutch grappling ace RDR has finished top names and is on a roll. But Nassourdine Imavov has been poised by many as a better stiff test for Chimaev.

Even de Ridder recently said Imavov is a tougher fight to prep for as he is fluid and all-rounded with his acute, tact striking. Imavov even once sent his rival’s mouthguard flying in an electric striking sequence in 2022. The UFC Fight Night 258 main event win in Paris positions him to make that a reality against the new champ.

Adesanya was KOed inside two rounds with R2 punches when he fought Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia (UFC Fight Night 250) in February. Yet, Izzy publicly chose against the victor for UFC Paris in a Stake.com-sponsored YouTube breakdown. Now, he has changed his tune and detailed a game plan against Khamzat Chimaev.

I think Khamzat vs. Imavov [should be next]…I’m not gonna cancel out Imavov now, because of his takedown defense. If he can take away the wrestling from Khamzat, he’ll give him problems. That’s all you have to do. Khamzat can strike, but I see what I see; [For Chimaev] wrestling can be his main weapon — He then gets the fu*king grip, he takes people down — and keeps them down. If Nassourdine can get past that, he’ll give Khamzat problems.

Israel Adesanya on his Official YT channel (@@FreeStylebender)

Imavov’s title shot isn’t set yet and ‘Borz’ is yet to be foiled by anyone. Chimaev’s explosive lean, hug-and-stall, and top/side control characterize his wrestling. If Imavov or any other fighter can get past that, they can have a winning opportunity. For now, that’s easier said than done.

ALSO READ: Islam Makhachev Lauds ‘Dominant’ Nassourdine Imavov After UFC Paris Win