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Nassourdine Imavov and Brendan Allen will be featured in a high-stakes middleweight matchup in the UFC Paris co-main event.
Five months ago, Allen faced short-notice replacement opponent Chris Curtis in a fight night main event. 'All In' narrowly escaped an upset defeat by securing a split decision win against Curtis, extending his winning streak to six.
Allen's latest win pushed him to the number eight ranking in the UFC middleweight division. At 28 years old, the South Carolina-born fighter looks to take another step toward a title shot, this time against a top-five ranked opponent.
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Imavov is coming off back-to-back wins against ranked opponents (Roman Dolidze and Jared Cannonier). The 28-year-old's latest Octagon appearance against number seven-ranked Cannonier was a massive statement in the middleweight division, as he battered his durable opponent before securing a fourth-round finish.
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Imavov hasn't received enough respect from the MMA community for being a potential middleweight title challenger. With that said, the Frenchman has an opportunity at UFC Paris to further climb the rankings, entertain his home crowd, and end Allen's impressive six-fight run.
It should be noted that UFC Paris starts on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 9:00 A.M. PT / 11:00 A.M. CT / 12:00 P.M. ET. The main card featuring Imavov vs Allen on ESPN+ will start three hours later at 12:00 P.M. PT / 2:00 P.M. CT / 3:00 P.M. ET.
Follow along with Sportskeeda for live updates of the UFC Paris co-main event between ranked middleweights Nassourdine Imavov and Brendan Allen.
Watch Imavov and Allen face off before their UFC Paris showdown below:
Nassourdine Imavov vs. Brendan Allen
Round 1:
Nassourdine Imavov vs. Brendan Allen is underway. Allen opens with a strong leg kick and right hand. Allen shoots a beautiful takedown and slams Imavov to the ground. Allen looks to fully establish his position before opening up.
Allen moves into side control. Imavov attempts to buck Allen off. Allen could be trying to isolate Imavov's head and arm. The referee gives Allen a warning for inactivity. Allen starts posting his elbow on Imavov's throat.
Allen tries to move to full mount but ends up in half guard instead. Herb Dean gives Allen another warning. Allen throws down a short elbow. Allen is pushed back into full guard. Allen throws down a big right hand. Herb Dean tells Allen to work two more times, seems slightly excessive.
Allen was somehow cut on his nose. Herb Dean gives another warning to Allen. Allen stands up and moves to Imavov's back when he tries to get up. The round ends.
Round 2:
Brendan Allen charges forward to close the distance. Nassourdine Imavov lands an eye poke. Herb Dean stops the fight and gives Imavov a warning. Allen shoots another beautifully timed takedown. Imavov stays on his feet, but he's pushed against the cage. Imavov grabs Allen's neck and they go down temporarily.
Allen tried to roll to his back. Imavov stood up and returned to striking distance. Imavov puts together a good combination. Allen fires back. Allen attempted another takedown, but Imavov sprawled and rotated to reverse the position.
Allen rolls to his back. Imavov is unloading ground and pound. Allen is trying to push from his back. Imavov settles for the full guard position. Allen tried to counter with an armbar. Imavov easily slides out and continues landing ground and pound.
Allen returns to his feet and Imavov is starting to tee off. Allen shot for another takedown, this one slightly more lazy. Imavov reacts quickly and stays in a sprawled position. Imavov is fishing for a guillotine, doesn't seem to be dangerous.
Nassourdine Imavov's submission attempt failed. Brendan Allen rolls to his back again. Imavov goes into full mount. Allen gives up his back. 45 seconds left. Imavov has his hooks in. This round has been all Imavov. Imavov looks for an armbar. Allen avoids the attempt and ends up on top.
Round 3:
Nassourdine Imavov finds a home for his straight punches to start the round. Brendan Allen shoots for another takedown. He's holding on to the leg, but Imavov read it well. Imavov pushes off Allen, and the latter rolls to his back. Imavov accepts the top of a full guard position.
Allen needs to make a change quickly, this game plan isn't working. Imavov is landing heavy ground and pound. Allen pushes off and Imavov temporarily stands up. Allen stayed down and Imavov jumped back down. Imavov returns to the feet and Allen follows by grabbing a leg against the cage.
Nassourdine Imavov denies Brendan Allen's takedown again and reverses the position against the cage. Imavov unloads an elbow and left hook after pushing off the cage. They are trading in the pocket after Allen lands a strong knee. Imavov grabs Allen and pushes him against the cage.
They are at a standstill against the cage. Imavov pushes off and Allen lands an elbow. Allen drops down and grabs Imavov's leg. Imavov breaks away and they exchange punches. Allen shoots another lazy takedown that doesn't find the target. Imavov ends the fight with a right hand. We're going to the scorecards.
Official Result: Nassourdine Imavov def. Brendan Allen by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
