Jared Cannonier and Nassouddin Imavov at the UFC Louisville weigh-in. Photo Credit: Youtube/UFC
The 40-year-old middleweight Jared Cannonier was looking to win his second title at UFC Louisville after defeating not only Nassouddin Imavov but also a man his father was old enough to own.
Despite losing to Israel Adesanya in 2022, Cannonier bounced back with two straight wins, including a record-setting victory (most strikes landed in a middleweight bout) over Marvin Vetri last June.
Going into Saturday’s main event, Cannonier looked to land some power shots, but Imavov seemed to use his length to his advantage and had some success with his jab early on. However, Cannonier also landed a few kicks to the calf, which was notable. Just over a minute into the bout, Cannonier took the fight against the fence and took Imavov down, but the French middleweight quickly dropped to one knee. After the break, Cannonier landed an elbow from the top.
Before the fight could move any further, the referee warned Imavov for extending his finger. The bout then restarted, with Cannonier landing two more low kicks. Despite Imavov being the longer man, Cannonier didn’t have much trouble getting inside, but Imavov caught a kick and took his opponent down with about two minutes left in the round. He couldn’t capitalize, however.
Between rounds, the referee again warned Imavov and his corner for extending fingers. As the second round began, Cannonier resumed his low kicks, forcing Imavov to the ground, but he quickly got up. Imavov countered Cannonier’s leg kicks with kicks of his own, but they didn’t land with the same power. Meanwhile, Cannonier was forcing Imavov against the fence, receiving several elbows in the process. With more grappling and the speed advantage from the start, Imavov could be a step behind.
In the third round, Imavov took control for the first time in the fight. He dominated early from the back along the fence, but Cannonier made a comeback with just over three minutes left in the fight. But it was a tough, grueling fight that cost him a chance at the title. Near the midpoint, Imavov found his space and forced Imavov to back off twice, but Cannonier fought back with combos. Still, it was a much better fight for Nasourin Imavov heading into the fourth round.
The complexion of the fight changed dramatically early in the fourth round. Less than 90 seconds into the match, Imavov rocked Cannonier with a right hand that sent him reeling. Imavov went after “The Killer Gorilla,” landing a knee and then a few more strikes as Cannonier retreated. Cannonier defended himself, stomping back and forth, but the referee quickly protested, and perhaps unsurprisingly, as Cannonier didn’t appear to be out of the fight at that point.
The crowd wasn’t happy about it, and neither was Cannonier, who showed good sportsmanship by hugging Imavov after the result was read out. Still, UFC Louisville will be remembered as a big win for Nassouddin Imavov.
Official result: Nassoordin Imavov defeats Jared Cannonier by TKO, Round 4, 1 minute, 34 seconds
