The largest win of Nassourdine Imavov’s UFC profession to date was maybe tainted by a questionable referee stoppage after hurting Jared Cannonier.
The middleweight predominant occasion of UFC on ESPN 57 at KFC Yum! Heart in Louisville, Ky., was crammed with heavy technical hanging exchanges. That’s, till Imavov (14-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) rocked Cannonier (17-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC), resulting in a controversial referee stoppage at 1:34 of Spherical 4.
With roaring chants of “U-S-A” echoing, Cannonier began the motion with crisp punches. Imavov responded, countering properly to maintain Cannonier sincere along with his offense. After a brief sequence on the mat after a Cannonier takedown, the middleweights returned to buying and selling heavy pictures within the heart of the cage.
Cannonier stored the tempo excessive in Spherical 2, which was matched effectively by Imavov. Placing exchanges led to transient clinch work sequences alongside the fence initiated by Cannonier. After separating, Imavov started to show up offensive stress, touchdown fantastically late within the spherical.
Early within the third, Imavov modified issues up with clinch work of his personal, however Cannonier patiently labored his method free and regarded for a takedown of his personal. The battle remained standing, and tight exchanges continued till the horn.
Imavov discovered the mark with early combos as Cannonier circled outdoors. Abruptly, Imavov cracked Cannonier with a vicious proper hook, sending Cannonier wobbling.
Cannonier stored his guard up as he stumbled concerning the cage whereas Imavov was on the hunt with follow-up strikes. Cannonier did his finest to maintain his fingers up whereas avoiding injury. Referee Jason Herzog determined to step in and cease the battle, which was met with quick protest from Cannonier, and boos from the group.
Relentless stress from Nassourdine Imavov forces the ref to name the stoppage. #UFCLouisville pic.twitter.com/Oy3S8v83i8
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 9, 2024
On account of the stoppage, Imavov secures his third UFC stoppage and back-to-back wins following a majority choice over Roman Dolidze in February.
Throughout his post-fight interview, Imavov stated he was able to hold combating had the referee not stepped in however knew he would discover the end ultimately.
“My purpose is to get the belt, for me, my household, everybody round me,” Imavov stated by way of an interpreter. “I’d prefer to battle Sean Strickland in Paris. So Sean Strickland, if you wish to do it, come to Paris and we’re going to battle collectively.”
Cannonier’s try and stretch his profitable streak to 3 was denied. After defeating former champion Sean Strickland and Marvin Vettori, “Killa Gorilla” was on the hunt for one more shot on the middleweight title, however now finds himself farther from that purpose.
Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 57 outcomes embody:
- Nassourdine Imavov def. Jared Cannonier through TKO (punches) – Spherical 4, 1:34
- Dominick Reyes def. Dustin Jacoby through knockout (punches) – Spherical 1, 2:00
- Raul Rosas Jr. def. Ricky Turcios through submission (rear-naked choke) – Spherical 2, 2:22
- Brunno Ferreira def. Dustin Stoltzfus through TKO (spinning again elbow) – Spherical 1, 4:51
- Zach Reese def. Julian Marquez through TKO (strikes) – Spherical 1, 0:20
- Puna Soriano def. Miguel Baeza through unanimous choice (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)
- Ludovit Klein def. Thiago Moises through unanimous choice (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Carlos Prates def. Charlie Radtke through knockout (physique shot) – Spherical 1, 4:47
- Brad Katona def. Jesse Butler through unanimous choice (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
- Montana De La Rosa def. Andrea Lee through cut up choice (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Daniel Marcos def. John Castaneda through unanimous choice (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Denise Gomes def. Eduarda Moura through cut up choice (29-28, 27-30, 30-27)
- Taylor Lapilus def. Cody Stamann through unanimous choice (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Puja Tomar def. Rayanne Amanda through cut up choice (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC on ESPN 57.
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