Nassourdine Imavov is assured he might be a more durable puzzle for Jared Cannonier to resolve than the previous title challenger’s earlier opponent.
Cannonier (17-6 MMA, 10-6 UFC) landed 241 strikes in his struggle with Marvin Vettori final 12 months. He believes Imavov (13-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC) gained’t have the ability to stand up to that quantity of harm once they meet within the UFC on ESPN 57 primary occasion at KFC Yum! Heart in Lousiville, Ky.
Nonetheless, Imavov doesn’t suppose that his opponent can have the chance to check that principle, as he sees the struggle unfolding a lot in a different way.
“Concerning the query if I’m going to have the ability to take punches, I’m going to have the ability to take punches if I have to, however the actual query is: Is he going to have the ability to hit me?” Imavov informed MMA Junkie. “I’m not Marvin Vettori. I’m a totally totally different fashion. Marvin is sluggish, like a punching bag, not transferring quick. He’s not even younger. His fashion of combating may be very totally different to mine.”
Imavov is coming off a majority resolution win over Roman Dolidze in February. He’s trying to construct momentum and make a run on the UFC middleweight belt.
“It strikes me very near the belt and the perfect on the earth, so I’m extremely motivated by this struggle,” Imavov mentioned.
His plan is to beat Cannonier on Saturday after which get one other large struggle within the UFC’s anticipated return to Paris, France in September.
“After all, I’m planing to remain energetic,” Imavov mentioned. “Ready is just not essentially a superb choice. Typically you wait and nothing occurs. I wish to keep energetic and hold combating, particularly I wish to be on the UFC Paris struggle card.”
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