To win this fight, Imavov has to match Borralho from distance. The Brazilian is likely to employ his own jab, kicks, and evasive footwork to try to frustrate Imavov and stay ahead on the points game. Imavov has the tools to win that battle or at least keep it competitive. The ultimate goal is to close distance and start unleashing combinations, because he’s the tighter pocket boxer who doesn’t keep his chin quite so high. Getting to Borralho without giving up the takedown may be a tricky. Imavov is tasked with working behind the jab here, using it not to maintain distance but to score reads and start combinations while advancing. As is always the case when facing a fighter who operates in that side-on Karate stance, it would be great to see Imavov showing combinations and then kicking at the trail leg to slow down Borralho over time.

We’re just a couple of weeks away from Nassourdine Imavov’s five-year anniversary with UFC and at the time of his signing, ”The Sniper” felt like another one of those solid (but unspectacular) local fighters who were onboarded to help fill the lineup for the promotion’s annual trip to Paris. Instead, we have a bona fide title contender riding a four-fight win streak, which includes his finish over Israel Adesanya last Feb. in Saudi Arabia. Whether or not that performance impresses you may depend on how you view the 36 year-old Adesanya at this stage of his career; which admittedly, has not been going well for quite some time. I’m also not popping any bubbly for his finish over the shopworn Jared Cannonier, who is 41 years old and holds just one victory in his last four fights. Imavov’s other notable wins include Brendan Allen and Roman Dolidze, a pair of tough outs who are nowhere near the Top 5 of the division. I can’t help but wonder how much “The Sniper” is focusing on his opponent with all his talk about fighting Khamzat Chimaev for the 185-pound strap.

“There won’t be a semifinal,” Imavov told reporters during the UFC Paris media day. With a win, I’m the next contender. Like I said, no one has done what I’ve done: Five wins. Who knocked out Israel (Adesanya) in that fashion? Who did? So, no, I’m the next contender for the title.” It’s been a year since he last fought. Last year he fought twice. He doesn’t deserve it more than Reinier De Ridder. De Ridder deserves it more than him. Caio Borralho didn’t need to kiss anyone’s ass to earn his spot atop the UFC Paris fight card because he’s won seven straight fights under the UFC banner, not including his pair of wins on Dana White’s “Contender Series” in late 2021. We can make the same argument about his strength of schedule that we made against Imavov and compared to “The Sniper,” Borralho has the far weaker resume. To wit, “The Natural’s” only victory over a Top 15 opponent has comer against the No. 11-ranked Cannonier.