‘He’ll give him problems’ – Israel Adesanya backs old rival in Khamzat Chimaev title fight after UFC Paris win
Israel Adesanya believes Nassourdine Imavov can cause problems for Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight title fight.
Imavov scored a unanimous decision win over Caio Borralho in the main event of UFC Paris on Saturday and is now likely to challenge for the 185lbs belt next.
The 29-year-old from France put on an impressive performance in his back yard to outpoint Borralho, who was previously undefeated in ten years, and is now on a five-fight winning streak in Dana White‘s promotion.
In doing so, Imavov cemented his status as the No. 2-ranked middleweight and moved one step closer to his first UFC title shot against Chimaev, who dethroned Dricus du Plessis of the belt last month.
Imavov was fresh off a shocking knockout win over fellow middleweight contender Adesanya before his headline bout in the City of Lights.
Regardless of any bad blood at time, Adesanya recognises that his former foe can be a serious problem for the undefeated Chimaev.
Adesanya says Imavov can be a problem for Chimaev
When asked about his thoughts on the next UFC middleweight title bout, Adesanya responded: “I think Khamzat vs. Imavov.
“I’m not going to cancel out Imavov now, because of his takedown defense.
“If he can take away the wrestling from Khamzat, he’ll give him problems.
“That’s all you have to do. Khamzat can strike, but I see what I see.
“His wrestling is his main weapon, and he commits a lot to the wrestling.
“He gets the grip, he takes people down, and keeps them down, so if Nassourdine can get past that, he’ll give Khamzat problems.
“Right now, though, Khamzat is on point, and he’s got the momentum behind him. So does Imavov.
“Who’s going to win? We’ll see.”
UFC Paris witnessed all five French fighters claim a victory on the card.
Benoit Saint Denis scored an upset submission win over Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event, while British MMA legend Paul Craig reitred following a nasty KO defeat to Modestas Mukauskas.
Elsewhere on the card Briton Harry Hardwick was defeated on his promotional debut, Sam Patterson secured his fourth successive first-round win, and UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall was brought to tears after watching his teammate Ante Delija finish Marcin Tybura.
Imavov will be hoping his victory was enough to convince Dana White that he is worthy of a title shot next.
However, the UFC CEO is likely to hold off on announcing Chimaev’s next fight until UFC Vancouver has concluded on October 18.
The card is headlined by a huge middleweight clash between Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez.
If one the aforementioned names betters Imavov’s performance at UFC Paris, they are likely to jump the queue to fight Chimaev next.
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