Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
The middleweight division is primed for action as a new champion, Dricus Du Plessis, holds the title. The top three contenders have all had their chances at the belt, opening the door for fighters in the next tier to make a significant impact.
This created heightened stakes for the co-main event featuring fourth-ranked Nassourdine Imavov against No. 8 Brendan Allen. The two elite competitors delivered a tense match, with both fighters exchanging effective takedowns and grappling maneuvers throughout the first two rounds. In the third round, they also engaged in a series of intense exchanges, but Imavov ultimately secured a narrow yet decisive unanimous decision victory.
All three judges scored the bout 29-28, echoing the scorecard provided by B/R.
“I’ve had three fights against contenders in the last seven months,” Imavov stated. “My objective now is the belt. I deserve a shot at the belt because I’ve proven myself now.”
Allen had a strong showing in the first round, achieving a takedown early and maintaining over four minutes of control on the ground. However, in the latter rounds, Imavov effectively thwarted Allen’s takedown attempts and delivered punishing strikes while in top control, as well as controlling most exchanges on the feet.
This victory marks Imavov’s seventh win in ten UFC bouts and his third consecutive win since January 2023.