Imavov secures hard-earned win

Nassourdine Imavov got his year off to a fine start with a hard-earned win over Roman Dolidze in the middleweight main event of a UFC Fight Night at the APEX Facility in Las Vegas on the morning of Sunday 4 February 2024.

Imavov put in a workmanlike performance and landed the heavier blows through five rounds and was able to secure a majority decision (49-44, 47-47, 48-46) triumph via the judges’ scorecards.

The Frenchman enjoyed striking dominance, while Dolidze got the better of the close encounters in the clinch. Imavov also survived committing a major foul, when he delivered a head kick while Dolidze had his hand on the mat, resulting in a point deduction. He also exchanged heated words with one of his opponent’s corner men, Curtis Jones.

“Because I have more experience, I knew how to pace myself to keep my cardio well,” said Imavov after the fight. “I was surprised I didn’t stop him in the first round, but at the same time that’s better because I did the 25 minutes.”

He added, “[Dolidze] can beat you from anywhere. He’s very solid, very durable, I have a lot of respect for him.”

The rest of the main card saw Renato Moicano overcome Drew Dober via unanimous decision in their lightweight co-main event; Randy Brown made quick work of fellow welterweight Muslim Salikhov; Natalia Silva outpointed Viviane Araujo over three rounds of a women’s flyweight fight; the middleweight match between Aliaskhab Khizriev and Makhmud Muradov ended in a No Contest after an accidental eye poke; and the welterweight opener saw Charles Radtke overpower Gilbert Urbina in the opening round.

The next UFC event is a Fight Night at the APEX Facility next Sunday, 11 February, headlined by a middleweight bout between Jack Hermansson and Joe Pyfer.

UFC Fight Night: Dolidze v Imavov – Main card results

- Main event: Middleweight: Nassourdine Imavov def. Roman Dolidze via majority decision (49-44, 47-47, 48-46), R5, 5:00

- Lightweight: Renato Moicano def. Drew Dober via unanimous decision (29-28 29-28 29-28), R3, 5:00

- Welterweight: Randy Brown def. Muslim Salikhov via KO (punch), R1, 3:17

- Women’s flyweight: Natalia Silva def. Viviane Araujo via unanimous decision (29-28 29-28 29-28), R3, 5:00

- Middleweight: Aliaskhab Khizriev def. Makhmud Muradov – No Contest, accidental eye poke, R1, 0:11

- Welterweight: Charles Radtke def. Gilbert Urbina via TKO (punches), R1, 4:47