UFC Paris Main Event Breakdown: Imavov Takes On Borralho in Must-Watch Middleweight Clash

The UFC returns to Paris for its fourth consecutive year on Saturday, September 6, with a headline matchup that promises to shake up the middleweight division. The UFC Paris event at Accor Arena will feature a pivotal collision between two top-10 contenders: Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho. This bout carries serious implications for the 185-pound rankings, with both fighters eyeing a shot at the elite tier of the division.

The Main Card Lineup

Imavov and Borralho anchor a stacked card at Accor Arena, with several compelling matchups rounding out the bill. The full main card features Benoît Saint Denis squaring off against Maurício Ruffy, Bolaji Oki facing Mason Jones, Modestas Bukauskas taking on Paul Craig, and Patrício Pitbull battling Losene Keita. Viewers can tune in at 3:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+, while the preliminary card kicks off at noon ET.

Nassourdine Imavov: Rising Threat in the Middleweight Division

Nassourdine Imavov (16-4-0-1) has emerged as one of the most compelling stories in the middleweight ranks. The 29-year-old Russian joined the UFC in October 2020 with a decision victory over Jordan Williams, posting a 3-1 record in his next four fights. A pivotal moment came in January 2023 when Sean Strickland stepped in on short notice to face Imavov, defeating him via unanimous decision in a light heavyweight affair after original opponent Kelvin Gastelum withdrew.

Since that setback, Imavov has rewritten his narrative with a string of impressive victories. His June 2023 clash with Chris Curtis ended in a no-contest due to an accidental clash of heads. Imavov bounced back with a majority decision over Roman Dolidze in February 2024, followed by a dominant fourth-round TKO over former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier at UFC Louisville in June.

The Cannonier victory showcased Imavov’s technical improvements. After falling behind on two scorecards entering round four, Imavov mounted a stunning comeback, landing 73 percent of his significant strikes in the final round before referee Jason Herzog waved off the fight. His striking accuracy had climbed from 60 percent in round two to 65 percent in round three, demonstrating clear progression.

Imavov’s most career-defining moment came in February when he topped former champion Israel Adesanya via TKO, a victory that catapulted him to No. 2 in the official UFC middleweight rankings. Most recently, he captured a unanimous decision over Brendan Allen on a Paris Fight Night card, showcasing his ability to perform on this stage.

Caio Borralho: The Emerging Contender

Caio Borralho (17-1-0-1) represents the rising tier of middleweight talent. The 31-year-old Brazilian entered the UFC through the Dana White Contender Series route, initially falling short in a September 2021 middleweight bout before securing a light heavyweight TKO in his second attempt that October.

Since his UFC debut in April 2022, Borralho has faced progressively stiffer opposition. He dispatched Paul Craig with a second-round knockout in May 2024, then delivered what many consider his breakthrough performance: a hard-fought decision win over Jared Cannonier that earned “Fight of the Night” honors and served as his first UFC main event outing. That five-round battle against a former title challenger elevated Borralho’s profile significantly.

Currently ranked No. 7 in the middleweight division, Borralho carries a near-spotless record into Paris. His technical approach and ability to compete at the highest level have made him a legitimate contender in a stacked division.

What’s at Stake

This matchup carries tremendous significance for both fighters’ championship aspirations. Imavov, riding high at No. 2 after his Israel Adesanya vs Alex Pereira-level statement win over Adesanya, seeks to solidify his status as an undisputed title contender. Borralho, climbing the ranks from the No. 7 spot, needs a top-tier scalp to accelerate his trajectory toward a championship opportunity. The winner will undoubtedly edge closer to the middleweight title picture, making this Paris showdown unmissable for division followers.