The biggest victory of Nassourdine ImavovJohn’s UFC career thus far has perhaps been tarnished by a questionable referee stoppage after injuring Jared Cannonier.
The middleweight main event of the UFC on ESPN 57 at KFC Yum! The center in Louisville, Kentucky, was filled with heavy technical striking exchanges. That is, until Imavov (14-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) rocked Cannonier (17-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC), leading to a controversial referee stoppage at 1:34 of the 4th round.
With thunderous chants of “USA” echoing, Cannonier started the action with well-aimed punches. Imavov responded, countering well to keep Cannonier honest in his attack. After a short sequence on the mat following a takedown by Cannonier, the middleweights returned to exchanging heavy blows in the center of the cage.
Cannonier kept the pace high in Round 2, which was well followed by Imavov. Exchanges of blows led to brief sequences of clinching work along the fence initiated by Cannonier. After the separation, Imavov began to increase the offensive pressure, landing beautifully at the end of the round.
Early in the third, Imavov turned things around with some clinch work of his own, but Cannonier patiently broke free and looked for his own takedown. The fight remained standing and the fierce exchanges continued until the horn.
Imavov was on target with the first few combinations as Cannonier circled to the outside. Suddenly, Imavov hit Cannonier with a vicious right hook, sending Cannonier reeling.
Cannonier kept his guard up as he stumbled into the cage as Imavov hunted with follow-up strikes. Cannonier did his best to keep his hands up, avoiding damage. Referee Jason Herzog decided to intervene and stop the fight, which was met with immediate protests from Cannonier and boos from the crowd.
As a result of the stoppage, Imavov secures his third UFC stoppage and consecutive victories following a majority decision over Roman Dolidze in February.
During the post-fight interview, Imavov said he was ready to continue fighting if the referee didn’t intervene, but he knew he would submit sooner or later.
“My goal is to win the belt, for myself, my family, everyone around me,” Imavov said through an interpreter. “I would like to fight Sean Strickland in Paris. So, Sean Strickland, if you want, come to Paris and let’s fight together.”
Cannonier’s attempt to extend his winning streak to three was denied. After defeating former champion Sean Strickland and Marvin Vettori, “Killa Gorilla” was looking for another shot at the middleweight title, but is now further from that goal.
Updated UFC on ESPN 57 results include:
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Nassourdine Imavov defeated. Jared Cannonier via TKO (punches) – Round 4, 1:34
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Dominick Reyes defeated. Dustin Jacoby by KO (punches) – Round 1, 2:00
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Raul Rosas Jr. Ricky Turcios via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 2, 2:22
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Bruno Ferreira defeated. Dustin Stoltzfus via TKO (spinning back elbow) – Round 1, 4:51
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Zach Reese defeated. Julian Marquez by TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 0:20
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Puna Soriano defeated. Miguel Baeza by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)
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Ludovit Klein defeated. Thiago Moisés by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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Carlos Prates defeated. Charlie Radtke by knockout (body blow) – Round 1, 4:47
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Brad Katona defeated. Jesse Butler by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
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Montana De La Rosa defeated. Andrea Lee via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
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Daniel Marcos defeated. John Castaneda by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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Denise Gomes defeated. Eduarda Moura by split decision (29-28, 27-30, 30-27)
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Taylor Lapilus defeated. Cody Stamann via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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Puja Tomar defeated. Rayanne Amanda via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC on ESPN 57.
