UFC Fight Night 258: Imavov vs. Borralho takes place on September 6, 2025, at the Accor Arena in Paris, France, headlined by a crucial middleweight showdown between #2-ranked Nassourdine Imavov and #7-ranked Caio Borralho. Both fighters are surging contenders with momentum and well-rounded skill sets, making this bout a high-stakes clash with potential title implications.
Nassourdine Imavov
Nassourdine Imavov (16–4, 1 NC) has established himself as one of the most dangerous rising forces in the middleweight division. The French-Russian fighter combines sharp boxing, patient counterstriking, and underrated grappling, often wearing down opponents with precision and composure.
Imavov is riding a four-fight unbeaten streak, including a career-defining TKO win over former champion Israel Adesanya in February 2025. Before that, he earned victories over Brendan Allen and Jared Cannonier, proving his ability to beat top-ranked opposition. Fighting in Paris once again, Imavov will have the home crowd behind him as he looks to continue his climb toward a title shot.
Nassourdine Imavov – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Israel Adesanya – TKO (Punches) – UFC FN, February 1, 2025
2. Win vs. Brendan Allen – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, September 28, 2024
3. Win vs. Jared Cannonier – TKO (Punches) – UFC on ESPN, June 8, 2024
4. Win vs. Roman Dolidze – Decision (Majority) – UFC FN, February 3, 2024
5. NC vs. Chris Curtis – NC (Accidental Clash of Heads) – UFC 289, June 10, 2023
Imavov’s keys to victory will be controlling distance with his jab, countering Borralho’s entries, and using his slick combinations to keep the Brazilian from dictating pace in the grappling exchanges.
Caio Borralho
Caio Borralho (17–1, 1 NC) has emerged as one of the most technically sound middleweights on the roster. The Brazilian mixes crisp striking with high-level grappling, earning finishes by both knockout and submission. A calculated fighter who thrives on efficiency, Borralho rarely gives opponents opportunities to capitalize.
Borralho is on a seven-fight UFC winning streak, with notable victories over Jared Cannonier, Paul Craig, and Michał Oleksiejczuk. His ability to seamlessly blend striking and ground control makes him one of the trickiest puzzles in the division. With a recent win over Cannonier in August 2024 and experience training as a backup for a title fight, Borralho enters Paris prepared for the spotlight.
Caio Borralho – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Jared Cannonier – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN, August 24, 2024
2. Win vs. Paul Craig – KO (Punches) – UFC 301, May 4, 2024
3. Win vs. Abusupiyan Magomedov – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, November 4, 2023
4. Win vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk – Submission (RNC) – UFC on ESPN, April 29, 2023
5. Win vs. Makhmud Muradov – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 280, October 22, 2022
Borralho’s best path to victory is neutralizing Imavov’s boxing with pressure and clinch work, mixing takedown attempts with top control to force the fight into extended grappling exchanges. His durability and fight IQ allow him to adapt well over five rounds.
Fight Breakdown
This matchup is a tactical battle between Imavov’s polished striking and Borralho’s well-rounded efficiency. Imavov has the edge in boxing precision and knockout ability, while Borralho brings consistency, grappling pressure, and strong cardio. Fighting in front of his home crowd, Imavov may look to dictate range early, but Borralho has shown the ability to drag opponents into grinding battles.
If Imavov keeps the fight standing, his timing and striking combinations could create openings for a stoppage. However, if Borralho successfully mixes takedowns and clinch control, he could limit Imavov’s offense and outlast him across five rounds.
Prediction
Imavov’s momentum after stopping Adesanya is difficult to overlook, and his striking precision should allow him to land the cleaner shots over the course of the fight. While Borralho is durable and capable of making it competitive, Imavov’s accuracy and composure may be the deciding factors.
Prediction: Nassourdine Imavov def. Caio Borralho via TKO (Punches) – Round 3
A win here could cement Imavov as the next middleweight title challenger, while Borralho looks to spoil the party and stake his claim in the top five.