PARIS, Sept 6 — France’s Nassourdine Imavov staked his claim for a UFC middleweight title shot on Saturday, defeating Brazil’s Caio Borralho by unanimous decision in the main event at Accor Arena and immediately calling for a fight with champion Khamzat Chimaev.
Imavov, 29, controlled the bout with sharp striking and movement, earning judges’ scores of 50–45, 49–46 and 49–46. The victory marked his fourth in five outings and further cemented his position among the division’s top contenders.
Speaking through a translator in the Octagon, Imavov said he had done enough to secure a meeting with Chimaev. “I am next,” he told the Paris crowd, drawing loud support from the home fans.
The champion has yet to be officially booked for his first title defence, and the UFC has a scheduled October bout between Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez that could also influence the pecking order. Analysts note Imavov’s Paris win strengthens his candidacy but does not guarantee him the next opportunity.
Chimaev, who claimed the vacant belt earlier this year, acknowledged the result on social media with a brief message praising Imavov’s performance but offered no confirmation of future plans.
The UFC has not announced when or where Chimaev will defend his title.
