Imavov bests Borralho in UFC Paris main event

Nassourdine Imavov defeated Caio Borralho via unanimous decision in the UFC Paris main event Saturday at Accor Arena.

The judges scored the bout 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46 in Imavov's favor.

Barralho attempted to slow down the more aggressive Imavov with leg kicks but found little success, sustaining his first loss since joining the promotion in 2021.

Imavov, the No. 2-ranked contender in the 185-pound division, called out new UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev after his big win in front of a raucous crowd.

"I'm next," the 30-year-old French-based fighter said.

While Imavov's win places him in contention for a title shot, there's another marquee middleweight matchup set for UFC Vancouver in October, with Anthony Hernandez taking on Reinier de Ridder. The winner of that fight is also expected to be in the running for the next title shot.

Imavov has now won five straight since a no-contest against Chris Curtis at UFC 289. The rising star earned a second-round TKO over former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in February.

Barralho entered Saturday's fight ranked No. 7 in the middleweight division, coming off a knockout win over Paul Craig at UFC 301 and a unanimous decision over Jared Cannonier in 2024.