MMA Match Preview: Nassourdine Imavov (17-4, 1 NC) vs. Caio Borralho (17-2, 1 NC)
Venue & Event Details
Event: UFC Fight Night 258: Imavov vs. Borralho
Bout: Nassourdine Imavov (France) vs. Caio Borralho (Brazil) – Middleweight (185 lbs) – 5 Rounds
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Location: Accor Arena, Paris, France
Main Card Start: 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT
Main Event Walks: ~7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT
Broadcast:
USA: ESPN+
UK: TNT Sports / discovery+
France: RMC Sport
Injury & Availability Report
Nassourdine Imavov: No reported injuries; full camp at MMA Factory in Paris. Mentioned post-fight that he tweaked a tendon in his right foot during camp, but it did not prevent him from competing.
Caio Borralho: No reported injuries; completed camp with Fighting Nerds in Brazil.
Fighter Profiles & Matchup Breakdown
Nassourdine “The Russian Sniper” Imavov (17–4, 1 NC) – France
Age: 29
Height/Reach: 6’3” / 75″ reach
Style: Technical kickboxer with sambo-based takedown defense
UFC Record: 9–2 (1 NC)
Key Strengths:
Sharp jab, precise counter-punching, and knees/elbows in close
Excellent takedown defense against chain wrestling
Proven five-round cardio and composure in main events
Recent Form:
W – Caio Borralho (UD)
W – Israel Adesanya (KO R2)
W – Jared Cannonier (KO R2)
W – Brendan Allen (UD)
W – Roman Dolidze (MD)
Tactical Notes: Imavov thrives when he can keep the fight standing, using his length to control range and punish entries. His defensive wrestling forces opponents into striking exchanges where his timing shines.
Caio “The Natural” Borralho (17–2, 1 NC) – Brazil
Age: 32
Height/Reach: 6’1” / 75″ reach
Style: Southpaw pressure fighter with strong wrestling and top control
UFC Record: 7–1 (1 NC)
Key Strengths:
Mixes level changes with straight lefts and body kicks
Suffocating clinch and ground control; wears opponents down
Rarely makes defensive mistakes in prolonged grappling
Recent Form:
L – Nassourdine Imavov (UD)
W – Jared Cannonier (UD)
W – Paul Craig (SUB R1)
W – Michal Oleksiejczuk (SUB R2)
W – Armen Petrosyan (UD)
Tactical Notes: Borralho’s best path is to close distance, chain takedowns, and keep Imavov on the back foot. Needs to avoid getting stuck at range where Imavov’s jab and counters can dictate the fight.
Fight History & Context
First Meeting: UFC Paris 2025 — Imavov won via unanimous decision (50–45, 49–46, 49–46).
Fight Narrative: This was billed as a potential middleweight title eliminator. Imavov entered off a career-best KO of Adesanya, while Borralho was unbeaten in the UFC and coming off a win over Cannonier.
In-Fight Summary: Borralho had early clinch control, but Imavov’s sharper striking, body work, and takedown defense took over from Round 2 onward. Borralho struggled to sustain offense at range and was repeatedly stuffed on takedown attempts.
Betting Trends
Imavov: 5-fight win streak; 4–1 in UFC main events; 3 of last 5 wins by finish.
Borralho: First UFC loss; had gone the distance in 5 of previous 7 bouts.
Paris Factor: French fighters are 7–3 overall in UFC Paris events since 2022.
Over Trend: Both fighters have gone to decision in 50%+ of UFC bouts; main event overs at 4.5 rounds have hit in 3 of last 5 UFC Paris headliners.
FIGHT ODDS
Nassourdine Imavov + 110
Caio Borralho – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025
