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It’s clear that Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho have the title in their sights.
With a new champion at the helm, both are interesting stylistic matchups for the new champion, Khamzat Chimaev. But with Dana White saying that Imavov vs. Borralho and Reinier de Ridder vs. Anthony Hernandez are the two fights that will determine what’s next for the new king, both the Frenchman and Brazilian are under pressure to perform.
With the UFC bringing Imavov to France a third time and with Borralho’s meteoric rise, the pressure will make a diamond and present a unique matchup for Chimaev, who seems invincible.
Nassourdine Imavov, the well rounded
Out of the four fighters in the running for Khamzat Chimaev, Nassourdine Imavov is likely the most rounded (an argument can be made for Fluffy). With Chimaev being so great in one area of fighting, it may take someone who is great everywhere and someone to take control of the fight.
Imavov is an incredibly accurate striker, landing at a 55% clip. His counter wrestling is great, as seen against Brendan Allen, Imavov is constantly improving. His unique appeal to a fight with Khamzat Chimaev would be that Imavov could theoretically keep the fight going on his own terms, something Dricus Du Plessis couldn’t.
Caio Borralho, the force of nature
Hailing from The Fighting Nerds, Caio Borralho is leading the charge for the Brazilian gym to capture multiple titles. At 7-0 in the UFC, Borralho has been nothing short of spectacular. Five career knockouts and four submissions, Borralho is dangerous everywhere.
Borralho’s takedown defense hasn’t been great, having been taken down twice in past fights. But his jiu jitsu is formidable but not optimal against a fighter like Chimaev. On the feet, however, and with improved takedown defense, Borralho is a more interesting matchup for Chimaev. But Imavov is a tough task and not one that will challenge him like Chimaev.
Caio Borralho will need to put on an incredible performance, as Imavov will need. UFC Paris will be a staging ground for a huge upset in front of Imavov’s home crowd. For Imavov, a spectacular win in front of the French faithful could punch the ticket.
