Imavov challenges Chimaev after Paris win

Nassourdine Imavov defeated Caio Borralho by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night in Paris on September 6, 2025, controlling the main event at Accor Arena and prompting an immediate call for a middleweight title shot against champion Khamzat Chimaev. The judges scored the fight 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46, giving Imavov his fifth straight UFC victory.

Key Takeaways

  • Imavov (20-4) beat Borralho (17-2) by unanimous decision at Accor Arena, Paris, on Sept 6, 2025.
  • Official judges’ scores: 50-45, 49-46, 49-46.
  • After the win Imavov publicly called for a title fight with Khamzat Chimaev (15-0).
  • Borralho took his first UFC loss and praised Imavov’s speed and striking.
  • Co-headline: Benoit Saint Denis (15-3) submitted Mauricio Ruffy (12-2) by rear-naked choke at 2:56 of round two.
  • Imavov’s victory strengthens his claim as a leading middleweight contender.

Verified Facts

Imavov outworked Borralho across five rounds, using precise boxing and consistent pressure to limit Borralho’s offensive opportunities. The bout took place at the Accor Arena in Paris and was the main event of the UFC Fight Night card on September 6, 2025.

The three judges delivered clear scorecards in favor of Imavov: 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46. With the win Imavov improved to a 20-4 professional record, while Borralho, previously 17-1, fell to 17-2 and registered his first loss inside the UFC.

Borralho entered the fight known for finishing 62 percent of his victories by knockout or submission but was unable to create sustained offensive windows against Imavov’s distance control and accuracy. After the decision Borralho acknowledged Imavov as one of his toughest opponents and congratulated him on the performance.

In the card’s co-main event, Benoit Saint Denis earned a second-round rear-naked choke at 2:56, handing Mauricio Ruffy the first submission loss of his career and snapping Ruffy’s seven-fight winning streak that dated back to November 2019.

Context & Impact

Imavov has now won five consecutive fights in the UFC, a run that has moved him into title-shot conversations in the 185-pound division. His post-fight challenge targets Khamzat Chimaev, who remains undefeated at 15-0 and is the current UFC middleweight champion.

A win over Borralho — a prospect with a strong finish rate — adds momentum to Imavov’s case, but scheduling a title bout will depend on UFC match-making, championship obligations, and Chimaev’s availability. The promotion typically weighs rankings, marketability and timing when approving immediate title challenges.

  • Potential outcomes for the division: a direct title fight if the UFC green-lights it; an interim step such as a high-profile contender bout; or placement in a divisional ranking sequence.
  • Imavov’s performance in Paris raised his profile among European fans and within the promotion’s middleweight rankings.

Official Statements

“I am next.”

Nassourdine Imavov, post-fight

“I think Nassourdine was the better man today. He was very fast… I couldn’t really adapt that much.”

Caio Borralho, post-fight

Unconfirmed

  • No official announcement has been made by the UFC confirming a title fight between Imavov and Khamzat Chimaev.
  • There is no confirmed date, venue or contract negotiation status for a potential Imavov–Chimaev matchup.

Bottom Line

Imavov’s clear victory over Borralho in Paris strengthens his claim as a top middleweight contender and sets up a storyline in which he has publicly challenged Khamzat Chimaev. Whether that challenge becomes an immediate title shot depends on UFC approval and logistical factors; for now, Imavov has positioned himself as a fighter the promotion and fans will watch closely.

Sources

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