Imavov outgrapples Allen, calls for title shot

After a rough start, Nassourdine Imavov was able to completely nullify Brendan Allen’s grappling game at UFC Fight Night 243.

Imavov (15-4 MMA, 7-2 UFC) outgrappled Allen (246 MMA, 12-3 UFC) en route to a unanimous decision win of 29-28 scorecards across the board. The middleweight bout was the co-main event at Accor Arena in Paris (via ):

Just 10 seconds into the fight, Allen was immediately able to slam Imavov down for a big takedown. He moved into side control, then half guard, riding the entire round in top position.

Imavov inadvertently poked Allen in the eye to start Round 2. When the action resumed, Allen shot for a takedown but he was stuffed by Imavov, who grabbed onto a front head lock. Imavov let go and decided to let Allen back up. The pair exchanged a few solid shots on the feet before Allen shot for another takedown. Imavov reversed and wound up in back control, raining down punches.

Imavov maintained position this time, as Allen started to make his way up. Imavov landed a big head kick on the break, followed by a flurry of punches. Imavov stuffed another Allen takedown and ended up in full mount, before transitioning to the back. Imavov attempted a takedown but wound up on his back before the round ended.

With each fighter winning a round, Allen’s corner showed a sense of urgency. Allen shot a takedown, but was stuffed. Imavov wound up in top control again, and dropped some big ground and pound. Allen continued to pursue the takedown, but was reversed once again. The fight ended with both fighters swinging.

Winner of four in a row now, Imavov called for a title shot. Imavov hasn’t lost since a decision loss to ex-champ Sean Strickland at light heavyweight in January 2023.

Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 243 results include:

• Nassourdine Imavov def. Brendan Allen via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• William Gomis def. Joanderson Brito via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Bryan Battle def. Kevin Jousset via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:47
• Morgan Charriere def. Gabriel Miranda via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 0:27
• Fares Ziam def. Matt Frevola via knockout (knee) – Round 3, 2:59
• Ion Cutelaba def. Ivan Erslan via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
• Oumar Sy def. Da Woon Jung via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Ludovit Klein def. Roosevelt Roberts via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Taylor Lapilus def. Vince Morales via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Ailin Perez def. Darya Zheleznyakova via submission (arm triangle choke) – Round 1, 3:52
• Daniel Barezdef. Victor Altamirano via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Jacqueline Cavalcanti def. Nora Cornolle via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
• Chris Duncan def. Bolaji Oki via technical submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 3:34

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 243.