Jared Cannonier vs. Nassourdine Imavov squared off in a Middleweight contest earlier tonight (Sat. June 8, 2024) from KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky for UFC Louisville. In a strange fight, Imavov was named the victor via fourth-round knockout.
Cannonier was aggressive at the first bell, looking to close distance with combinations. Imavov met his offense with his own fiery returns before looking to clinch up, but it was Cannonier who tripped him to the floor! He scored with an elbow when Imavov scrambled back to open space. Imavov landed his own brief takedown off a caught kick, but by and large, Cannonier was in control through the first five minutes. He landed the clean punches, and he appeared to hold a strength advantage in the clinch as well.
Cannonier opened the second by chopping the lead leg. He stuck Imavov with a long 1-2 then bullied him into the fence, looking for another takedown. Imavov denied the double, absorbed some hard jabs, and was shoved right back into the cage. Despite the control, Cannonier wasn’t able to get much going, and when the two finally broke apart, Imavov was the aggressor. He managed to land a good right hand and get a little momentum on his side, making for a closer round.
Finishing the second with a good flurry likely secured the round for “Sniper.”
Once more, Cannonier opened the round with a nice right hand land. Imavov slipped one of his punches to grab the clinch and force Cannonier to the floor briefly. Imavov was doing well timing Cannonier’s calf kick, answering with counter punches down the middle. Cannonier’s rhythm at range was allowing him to sneak in some good connections, like a crafty uppercut played off the jab. Unfortunately, long stretches of the round saw Cannonier shoving Imavov into the fence, which really slowed the action.
The fourth saw Imavov eat a gnarly spinning elbow with zero issue to start off the round. Moments later, Imavov returned the favor in a massive way, stunning Cannonier with a crisp right hand! “The Killa Gorilla” was wounded, but he maintained his footing and tried to fire back amidst Imavov’s flurry. A couple Imavov right hands glanced across the guard … and referee Jason Herzon called the fight.
Let me be very clear on two fronts: Jared Cannonier was hurt, and Jared Cannonier was intelligently defending himself. Undoubtedly, Imavov rung his bell with a great right hand counter and had Cannonier on wobbly legs, but … that’s allowed! Fighters are allowed to wobble! Cannonier still kept his eyes on his opponent and his guard high, and this was no extended and uncomfortable beating.
It was simply a terrible stoppage.
Result: Imavov defeats Cannonier via fourth-round knockout
For complete UFC Lousisville: “Cannonier vs. Imavov” results and play-by-play, click HERE!