UFC Fight Night Imavov vs. Borralho: Fights, favorites, and what to expect!

Paris once again hosts the planet’s biggest MMA competition: UFC Fight Night Imavov vs. Borralho will take place this Saturday, September 6, and promises an exciting atmosphere. In addition to the main event, there will be five co-main card fights and seven prelims for you to follow and place Sports Betting!

Second in the UFC middleweight rankings, the Frenchman Nassourdine Imavov will face the Brazilian Caio Borralho — who, despite being seventh, hasn’t lost a fight in ten years!

This will be the first of three UFC Fight Nights this month, with two more events on the 13th and 27th. It will blend experience and youth, with epic narratives that go beyond the octagon. Get ready to know what to expect from each matchup!

UFC Fight Night Imavov vs. Borralho: Main Card

The Paris UFC Fight Night crowns the growth of MMA on European soil and is held in France, where the sport was only legalized in 2020. Because of that, home advantage may motivate the French fighter, while the Brazilian aims to make the most of a big-stage showcase.

The main highlight is the matchup that could redefine the course of the Middleweight division: the Frenchman Nassourdine Imavov, nicknamed Sniper, versus the Brazilian Caio Borralho, aka Natural — second and seventh in the UFC rankings in August 2025, respectively.

And the mood around the fight began as we’re used to in the UFC: tense. Imavov refused to serve as the backup for the title bout between Du Plessis and Chimaev, saying he didn’t want to compromise his preparation for Paris. He also poked Borralho, claiming the opponent “picked up his leftovers.” In response, the Brazilian showed confidence and promised to suffocate him. “I’m going to drown this guy with my gas, pressure him. In the third, fourth, or fifth round I’ll finish him,” he said in an interview.

It will be their first meeting, in an event focused on rising fighters — learn the difference between a Fight Night and a numbered UFC in our special article. Both come in on good runs and promise an epic duel!

Nassourdine Imavov

A Frenchman born in Russia, Imavov is unbeaten in five fights and last lost on January 14, 2023 — when he fell to Sean Strickland by unanimous decision. In total, he has 16 wins and four losses, but his more favorable position in the UFC rankings is a trump card.

It’s no coincidence his nickname is Striker: his fighting style is marked by sharp striking and a high volume of blows. He lands an average of 4.45 strikes per minute with 56% accuracy. Another strong point is his takedown defense at 79%, showing the ability to stay on his feet.

Caio Borralho

Borralho hasn’t lost a fight since July 18, 2015, when he was defeated by fellow Brazilian João Carvalho by unanimous decision. Since that setback in Campinas, he has 16 wins and one draw — eight by unanimous decision and four by submission.

His style is marked by efficiency and precision, averaging 3.61 strikes landed and 2.34 strikes absorbed per minute. Borralho’s big differential is his grappling, with 1.56 takedowns per fight — 60% success and 77% defense. These credentials explain why the Brazilian hasn’t lost in so long!

Who is the favorite?

What’s shaping up is a clash of styles and, of course, personalities. Imavov and his strategic calm, or Borralho’s intensity and boldness, will be tested in the octagon. The winner could move closer to a chance to fight for the middleweight belt. But which one will win?

Before the fight starts, the favorite to win is the Brazilian at odds of 1.69. The Frenchman isn’t far behind, priced at 2.33 to break his opponent’s unbeaten run. In addition, betting markets point to a solid chance the fight goes over 2.5 rounds: odds of 1.24 versus 3.75 for it to end earlier.

Bet on Imavov vs. Borralho at Blaze!

UFC Fight Night Paris: Other Main Card Fights

And if you follow the UFC, you already know: Imavov vs. Borralho won’t be the only fight on this event. The Main Card will feature five other matchups that will serve as an appetizer for the headliner.

There was a last-minute change: the Guinean Losene Keita failed to make the 66 kg featherweight limit and the fight against Patrício Pitbull was canceled—to the Brazilian’s frustration, as he lost a spot on UFC Rio.

Check out each of the fights at UFC Fight Night Paris below:

Benoît Saint-Denis vs. Mauricio Ruffy (Lightweight)

The co-main event of the evening will also feature a Frenchman against a Brazilian: Benoît Saint-Denis vs. Mauricio Ruffy. Nicknamed “God of War,” the hometown fighter is known for his aggressive style and currently ranks 13th in the world. Meanwhile, “One Shot” stands out for his submission game, holding the 15th spot.

With 12 wins and only one loss, the Brazilian is the favorite with odds of 1.47. The Frenchman, with 14 wins and three losses, is priced at 2.55 to claim victory.

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Modestas Bukauskas vs. Paul Craig (Light Heavyweight)

Known as the “Baltic Gladiator,” Lithuanian Modestas Bukauskas has 18 wins and 6 losses and aims to control the fight. On the other side, Scotsman Paul Craig holds 17 wins, 9 losses, and 1 draw, and is renowned for his refined grappling and powerful submissions, which earned him the nickname “Bearjew.”

Many expect a close fight that could be decided either in striking or on the ground, but the odds say otherwise. Bukauskas is the favorite with odds of 1.25, while Craig is listed at 3.65.

Bet on Bukauskas vs. Craig at Blaze!

Bolaji Oki vs. Mason Jones (Lightweight)

With broad international experience, Belgian Bolaji Oki enters the octagon with 10 wins and 2 losses. Welshman Mason Jones is looking to establish himself among UFC stars, with 16 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no contest.

Both the “Zulu Warrior” and the “Dragon” are in great form and could impact the Lightweight Top 15. This balance is reflected in the odds, with Oki at 1.68 and Jones at 2.07.

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Axel Sola vs. Rhys McKee (Welterweight)

Undefeated Frenchman Axel Sola relies on precision, boasting 10 wins and 1 no contest. Irishman Rhys McKee, with 14 wins, 6 losses, and 1 no contest, is known for his speed and movement — earning him the nickname “Skeletor.”

Sola is the favorite at 1.68, while McKee is listed at 2.07 to hand his opponent his first loss.

Bet on Sola vs. McKee at Blaze!

William Gomis vs. Robert Ruchala (Featherweight)

Originally scheduled as a prelim, this fight was “promoted” after the cancellation of Pitbull vs. Keita. Nicknamed “Jaguar,” Frenchman William Gomis holds 14 wins and 3 losses, and relies on movement. Polish fighter Robert Ruchala specializes in submissions, with 11 wins and just 1 loss.

In this clash of speed vs. strategy, Gomis is the favorite at 1.33, while Ruchala is the underdog at 3.1.

Bet on Gomis vs. Ruchala at Blaze!

UFC Fight Night Paris Preliminary Fights

With the last-minute change, the Paris prelim card now features seven bouts. These fights showcase developing talent and give fans the chance to spot UFC prospects who could become future stars. They may not be in the spotlight, but they serve as the perfect warm-up:

Oumar Sy vs. Brendson Ribeiro (Light Heavyweight)

With 11 wins and 1 draw, Frenchman Oumar Sy is known for his power and constant pressure. Brazilian Brendson Ribeiro, nicknamed “Gorilla,” brings jiu-jitsu and grappling, with 17 wins, 8 losses, and 1 no contest.

Sy is the favorite at 1.2, while Ribeiro is the underdog at 4.2.

Bet on Sy vs. Ribeiro at Blaze!

Marcin Tybura vs. Ante Delija (Heavyweight)

Ranked No. 7 in the UFC, Polish veteran Marcin Tybura holds 27 wins and 9 losses and is eager for action in Paris. Croatian Ante Delija, known as “Walking Trouble,” brings 25 wins and 6 losses with heavy-hitting power.

This should be one of the night’s most balanced fights, with Delija slightly favored at 1.85 and Tybura close behind at 1.90.

Bet on Tybura vs. Delija at Blaze!

Harry Hardwick vs. Kauê Fernandes (Lightweight)

Get ready for a debut: British fighter Harry Hardwick makes his UFC debut, bringing his striking and movement that earned him the nickname “Houdini.” His opponent is Brazilian Kauê Fernandes, known for strategic submissions, with a record of 10 wins and 2 losses.

Houdini enters as the favorite with odds of 1.54, while Fernandes is listed at 2.37 to spoil his debut.

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Sam Patterson vs. Trey Waters (Welterweight)

Another Brit in the prelims is Sam Patterson, nicknamed “The Future,” with 13 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no contest. He faces American Trey Waters, “The Truth,” with 9 wins and 1 loss, who is known for his pressure, counterstriking, and distance control.

In the battle of Future vs. Truth, Patterson is the favorite at 1.49, compared to Waters at 2.48.

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Brad Tavares vs. Robert Bryczek (Middleweight)

A veteran, American Brad Tavares has 21 wins and 11 losses, bringing experience to the octagon. His opponent, Polish fighter Robert Bryczek, relies on youth, aggression, and a record of 17 wins and 6 losses.

The fight could go deep into the rounds, testing endurance. Tavares is the favorite at 1.43, while Bryczek is at 2.67.

Bet on Tavares vs. Bryczek at Blaze!

Andreas Gustafsson vs. Rinat Fakhretdinov (Welterweight)

Nicknamed “Bane,” Swedish fighter Andreas Gustafsson has 12 wins and 2 losses and relies on refined technique. Russian Rinat Fakhretdinov, “Gladiator,” brings pressure and grappling, with 23 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no contest.

This is expected to be a balanced and tactical clash. Gustafsson is a slight favorite at 1.78, with Fakhretdinov close behind at 1.95.

Bet on Gustafsson vs. Fakhretdinov at Blaze!

Shauna Bannon vs. Sam Hughes (Women’s Strawweight)

In the only women’s fight of this UFC Fight Night, Irish fighter Shauna Bannon, “Mama B,” steps into the octagon with 7 wins and 1 loss. She faces American Sam Hughes, “Sampage,” who has 10 wins and 6 losses.

Expect speed, constant movement, and striking exchanges. Hughes is the favorite at 1.27, while Bannon is the underdog at 3.5.

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Bet on the UFC at Blaze!

The big moment is here to bet on UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Borralho! Now you know everything about all the fights in one of the fastest and most unpredictable sports in the world — since one clean strike or a well-executed takedown can completely change the course of a fight in seconds!

Don’t forget to read our Sports Betting Encyclopedia for more tips and insights that will help you plan your bets responsibly. Set a fun budget using only money that won’t stop you from meeting your responsibilities, stay disciplined, respect your limits, and diversify your types of bets.

Betting is about entertainment and excitement, not income or investment. Remember, there is no guaranteed bet — understand all the risks involved and be aware that results can always surprise!

Ready for the thrill of the biggest MMA event on the planet? Bet on UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Borralho at Blaze and good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions About UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Borralho

When and where will UFC Fight Night Imavov vs. Borralho take place?

The event happens on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Accor Arena in Paris. The preliminary card starts at 1:00 PM (São Paulo time), and the main card at 4:00 PM. All fights can be followed via UFC Fight Pass.

Who are the main event fighters?

The headliner will be between Nassourdine Imavov, a naturalized Frenchman ranked No. 2 in the middleweight division, and Caio Borralho, an undefeated Brazilian in the UFC with five consecutive wins. The fight has “title eliminator” status, potentially determining the next challenger for the division’s belt.

What are the highlights of the main card?

In addition to the main event, the card features notable matchups such as Benoît Saint-Denis vs. Mauricio Ruffy (Lightweight), Modestas Bukauskas vs. Paul Craig (Light Heavyweight), Bolaji Oki vs. Mason Jones (Lightweight), and Axel Sola vs. Rhys McKee (Welterweight).

How do betting markets at Blaze work for this event?

At Blaze, you can bet on outright winners (moneyline), method of victory (knockout, submission, or judges’ decision), total rounds, and exact round. Odds are updated in real-time and reflect the competitiveness of each fight, allowing both conservative and bold strategies.

What is the importance of Imavov vs. Borralho for the middleweight division?

The winner of this fight could become the next challenger for the division’s belt. Both fighters are in great form, and the result will directly impact the next title fight, making this event crucial for those following the middleweight division.