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Nassourdine Imavov vs Caio Borralho: Bloody Elbow predictions see a victory for the hometown star at UFC Paris

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Hamish Woodward | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 1:49 PM ET

The experts had a tough time choosing, but one man looks to be the favorite in the main event of UFC Paris.

The Russian-French fighter Nassourdine Imavov faces Caio Borralho in his return to France, three years after the UFC debuted in the country.

The #2-ranked Middleweight Imavov is hoping to pick up a win and overtake Dricus du Plessis in the rankings, earning himself a shot at Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC title.

However, the Brazilian Borralho is no easy target, being the seventh-highest-ranked Middleweight contender and an outside shot for a world title fight in his own right.

The Bloody Elbow staff have ummed and ahhed before making their prediction about who could come out on top at UFC Paris between Imavov and Borralho.

Nassourdine Imavov vs Caio Borralho prediction

Jamie Theodosi: “I think the main event is an intriguing and hard-to-call matchup. Imavov is as good a striker as you can get, but Borralho is extremely well-rounded.

“I see a world in which Borralho controls positions for the majority of this fight and picks up the unanimous decision win.”

PREDICTION: CAIO BORRALHO VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION

Ross Markey: “I’m picking Nassourdine Imavov to likely prevail against Caio Borralho. He’s certainly in the midst of an impressive purple patch in the division – against some notable contenders, too.

“The timing of this fight also suits the French-Russian star. On top of that, paired with his overall ability on the feet, I’m picking Imavov to eke out a decision win in Paris.”

PREDICTION: NASSOURDINE IMAVOV VIA DECISION

Kyle Dimond: “I’ve gone back and forth on this main event so many times. I think Borralho has a better chance of producing a big statement, but this is a significant step up for him in my opinion. As of right now, I’ll go with Imavov to win a decision. “

PREDICTION: NASSOURDINE IMAVOV VIA DECISION

Hamish Woodward: “There’s no clear winner for this one, and it could go either way, so I’ll have to back the Frenchman to pick up the victory in Paris.

“Imavov has impressed against some tough opponents in recent fights and is #2 ranked in the Middleweight division for a reason. He can’t afford a loss if he wants a title shot in the near future, so that will give him extra motivation to beat Borralho.

“However, it won’t be easy, and I don’t see either man finishing the other. It’ll be a close one, but the decision will go Imavov’s way in the end.”

PREDICTION: NASSOURDINE IMAVOV VIA DECISION

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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