The Striker vs. Grappler Match
Nassourdine Imavov tops a middleweight scrap against Caio Borralho in Paris, and the analysis is a classic striker-versus-grappler puzzle already. Imavov has displayed violent knockout ability in his recent fights and bouts, TKO of Jared Cannonier and KO of Israel Adesanya. He is most certainly looking to add another bullet point to his highlight reel resume on home turf. He is so confident in himself that he has even rejected a backup position in an August title fight in preparation for the Paris main event.
Borralho’s Ground Control Game
In contrast, Borralho has a more controlled approach with elements of grappling (wrestling and judo) in his game. A high-level grappler, the Brazilian has a nice takedown game and has demonstrated control once the fight hits the mat. He has also completed his striking to a point that he can be dangerous on the feet, but his best avenue to win is through top control, ground-and-pound, and domination in the later rounds.
The Tactical Blueprints
On a tactical level, Imavov will be keen to avoid the fight getting dirty and will desire to use his reach and power in his hands, as well as select times to go off with punches that can end rounds early. He is orthodox in his stance, has a long reach, and has a recent run of wins with KO/TKO in the last few fights, so one clean combination may be enough to wrap it up early.
The inverse will be Borralho’s game plan: maintain pressure, clinches, and chains, follow with judo throws, and get the takedowns to exhaust the cardio of Imavov and nullify his power. By landing multiple shots that put Borralho back on the canvas and managing the position in which that lands, he will greatly limit the number of times the French striker applies his finish.
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Road to Victory
Games such as this one come down to matchups. Footwork to stay out of the clinch, controlled striking to prevent excessive commitment, and good wrestling defence later, should Borralho increase his takedowns, are the keys to Imavov’s success. Borralho has to better time his level changing, resist flailing around in the pocket, and use takedowns to become sustained offence as opposed to resetting. The conditioning will play a part: both Borralho and Imavov can fly out of the gate with their knockout bursts, but after an extended grappling session, Borralho is the better-conditioned fighter.
Predictions
Another TKO is highly likely should Imavov connect with an early jab, a sharp counter overhand that simply fires the head back. But, perhaps the safer path is in the hands of Borralho: smash the striker, bring the fight to the canvas, and dominate the tempo on the way to a decision or late stop via ground-and-pound or submission.
Considering the last performance of both combatants and the differences in their styles, the wrestling skill that Borralho has presented seems the better scenario for neutralising the threat. Nevertheless, the power of Imavov implies that the battle will not be a predictable one until the last strike.
