Watch: Nassourdine Imavov TKO’s Jared Cannonier
Jared Cannonier and Nassourdine Imavov are set to clash this Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky. While the victor may not immediately secure a title shot, they will certainly move closer to contention.
Cannonier (17-6) had been steadily building momentum toward a second UFC middleweight title shot. However, a combination of a crowded division and a knee injury sidelined his aspirations. He recently secured a split-decision win over Sean Strickland in December 2022, followed by a unanimous decision victory over Marvin Vettori last July. However, he suffered an MCL tear in October and has been rehabbing to return to fighting form.
He will enter the Octagon against the seventh-ranked Imavov (13-4 with 1 No Contest), who achieved a majority decision victory over Roman Dolidze in February.
The main event of UFC Louisville tonight ended with a controversial victory for Nassourdine Imavov in the fourth round. Initially, Jared Cannonier dominated the opening round, following rounds were tightly contested, leaving the judges’ scorecards uncertain heading into the fourth. Imavov managed to stagger “The Killa Gorilla” with a powerful right hook in the fourth round, Imavov proceeded with a precise combination, ensuring he remained cautious to avoid any significant retaliation from Cannonier, who remained a threat. Despite Cannonier attempting to create distance and recover, he remained conscious and upright. However, Herzog deemed the situation sufficient to warrant stopping the contest.
Main Card:
- N. Imavov def. J. Cannonier via TKO (R4, 1:34)
- Dominick Reyes def. Dustin Jacoby via first-round KO (punches) (2:00)
- Raul Rosas Jr. def. Ricky Turcios via sub (RNC) (R2, 2:22)
- Brunno Ferreira def. Dustin Stoltzfus via first-round TKO (4:51)
- Zachary Reese def. Julian Marquez via first-round TKO (0:20)
- Punahele Soriano def. Miguel Baeza via unanimous decision (30-25 x2, 30-27)
Preliminary Card:
- Ludovit Klein def. Thiago Moises via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
- Carlos Prates def. Charlie Radtke via first-round TKO (4:47)
- Brad Katona def. Jesse Butler via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)
- Montana De La Rosa def. Andrea Lee via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
- Daniel Marcos def. John Castaneda via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
- Denise Gomes def. Eduarda Moura via split decision (28-29, 30-27 x2)
- Taylor Lapilus def. Cody Stamann via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
- Puja Tomar def. Rayanne dos Santos via split decision (30-27, 29-28, 27-30)
