At UFC Fight Night 258 in Paris, Nassourdine Imavov delivered a masterclass in striking and composure to defeat previously unbeaten Caio Borralho by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46). Imavov controlled the fight with clean jabs, front kicks, and crisp combinations while nullifying Borralho’s takedown attempts. Across five rounds, he dictated the pace, pressured forward, and forced Borralho to fight off the back foot. With the victory, Imavov improved to 17–4 (1 NC) and cemented himself as the clear #1 contender in the UFC middleweight division.

The next logical step for Imavov is a title shot against reigning champion Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev captured the UFC Middleweight Championship with a dominant unanimous decision over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, extending his undefeated record to 15–0. A showdown between Chimaev and Imavov pits two of the division’s most dangerous and well-rounded fighters against each other: Chimaev’s relentless wrestling and suffocating control versus Imavov’s sharp boxing, counterstriking, and takedown defense.

Stylistically, this matchup is fascinating. Chimaev has overwhelmed every opponent with his pace and grappling, but Imavov’s composure, size, and precision striking could force the champion into longer stand-up exchanges. For Imavov, this is the culmination of a steady climb through the rankings. For Chimaev, it’s a chance to defend his belt against a top contender who’s beaten the elite at middleweight.

Last Five Fights – Nassourdine Imavov:

1. Win over Caio Borralho – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Borralho (September 6, 2025)
2. Win over Israel Adesanya – TKO (punches), UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov (February 1, 2025)
3. Win over Brendan Allen – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Saint Denis (September 28, 2024)
4. Win over Jared Cannonier – TKO (punches), UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Imavov (June 8, 2024)
5. Win over Roman Dolidze – Decision (majority), UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Imavov (February 3, 2024)

Last Five Fights – Khamzat Chimaev:

1. Win over Dricus du Plessis – Decision (unanimous), UFC 319 (August 16, 2025)
2. Win over Robert Whittaker – Submission (face crank), UFC 308 (October 26, 2024)
3. Win over Kamaru Usman – Decision (majority), UFC 294 (October 21, 2023)
4. Win over Kevin Holland – Submission (brabo choke), UFC 279 (September 10, 2022)
5. Win over Gilbert Burns – Decision (unanimous), UFC 273 (April 9, 2022)