UFC Paris: Imavov vs Borralho for the first challenger of champion Chimaev

Tonight in Paris, the next challenger will be decided

The Accor Arena in Paris, France will host tonight’s UFC Fight Night, which could change the middleweight hierarchy. In the main event on Saturday, September 6, 2025, Nassourdine Imavov faces Caio Borralho in a bout that will leave the winner perfectly positioned to challenge the recently crowned champion Khamzat Chimaev.

Today’s Card

Broadcast times (ESPN+):

• Preliminary card: 12:00 ET
• Main event: 15:00 ET

Location: Accor Arena, Paris, France
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025

Imavov en Busca de Consolidar su Posición #2

Nassourdine Imavov (16-4-0-1) enters the octagon as the UFC’s No. 2 ranked middleweight. The Russian fighter has risen dramatically on the card over the past few years, going from a 3-1 record in his first four appearances to becoming one of the division’s most dangerous contenders.

His trajectory includes a unanimous decision victory over Brendan Allen in Paris recently, but it was his win over Israel Adesanya by TKO in February that propelled him to the top spots. Before that epic victory, Imavov demonstrated his resilience by defeating Jared Cannonier by TKO in the fourth round in June 2024.

In that fight against Cannonier, Imavov came back after being behind on the scorecards and executed a brilliant offensive game plan. By the fourth round, he was connecting with 73% of his significant strikes, completely dominating the former title challenger. Cannonier’s strategy of using leg kicks was not enough to stop the Russian’s momentum, who was clearly ascending when referee Jason Herzog stopped the fight.

At 29 years old, Imavov has everything to lose in this fight, but his recent victory over Adesanya positions him as the favorite.

Borralho: The Rising Star Looking for the Upset

Caio Borralho (17-1-0-1) from the “Fighting Nerds” team entered the UFC without being selected in the Dana White Contender Series in 2021, but then earned his opportunity with a spectacular TKO in the first round during his second attempt at DWCS.

The 31-year-old Brazilian currently holds the #7 spot in the middleweight rankings. His rise has been steady, especially after his recent confrontation with Jared Cannonier. In that UFC main event, Borralho defeated the veteran ex-title challenger in a five-round battle that was awarded “Fight of the Night.” The victory shows that Borralho is already at the elite level of the division.

Before facing Cannonier, Borralho dispatched Paul Craig with a spectacular knockout in the second round in May 2024, demonstrating power in both hands.

Full Card

Main Event:

• Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho

Co-Main Fights:

• Benoît Saint Denis vs. Maurício Ruffy
• Modestas Bukauskas vs. Paul Craig
• Bolaji Oki vs. Mason Jones
• Rhys McKee vs. Axel Sola
• William Gomis vs. Robert Ruchała

Preliminary Card:

• Oumar Sy vs. Brendson Ribeiro
• Marcin Tybura vs. Ante Delija
• Harry Hardwick vs. Kaue Fernandes
• Sam Patterson vs. Trey Waters
• Brad Tavares vs. Robert Bryczek
• Andreas Gustafsson vs. Rinat Fakhretdinov
• Shauna Bannon vs. Sam Hughes

Who Will Win the Ticket to Chimaev?

Imavov has the recent experience of elite victories in his favor, while Borralho comes on an unstoppable streak. What’s at stake is nothing less than the opportunity to challenge champion Khamzat Chimaev. The broadcast begins at 12:00 ET with the prelims, with the main card at 15:00 ET on ESPN+.