Nassourdine Imavov wobbles Jared Cannonier for TKO

The most important win of Nassourdine Imavov’s UFC profession to this point was maybe tainted by a questionable referee stoppage after hurting Jared Cannonier.

The middleweight major occasion of UFC on ESPN 57 at KFC Yum! Middle in Louisville, Ky., was crammed with heavy technical hanging exchanges. That’s, till Imavov (14-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) rocked Cannonier (17-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC), resulting in a controversial referee stoppage at 1:34 of Spherical 4.

With roaring chants of “U-S-A” echoing, Cannonier began the motion with crisp punches. Imavov responded, countering properly to maintain Cannonier trustworthy together with his offense. After a brief sequence on the mat after a Cannonier takedown, the middleweights returned to buying and selling heavy pictures within the middle of the cage.

Cannonier saved the tempo excessive in Spherical 2, which was matched nicely by Imavov. Placing exchanges led to transient clinch work sequences alongside the fence initiated by Cannonier. After separating, Imavov started to show up offensive stress, touchdown fantastically late within the spherical.

Early within the third, Imavov modified issues up with clinch work of his personal, however Cannonier patiently labored his method free and seemed for a takedown of his personal. The struggle remained standing, and tight exchanges continued till the horn.

Imavov discovered the mark with early mixtures as Cannonier circled outdoors. Out of the blue, Imavov cracked Cannonier with a vicious proper hook, sending Cannonier wobbling.

Cannonier saved his guard up as he stumbled concerning the cage whereas Imavov was on the hunt with follow-up strikes. Cannonier did his finest to maintain his arms up whereas avoiding harm. Referee Jason Herzog determined to step in and cease the struggle, which was met with instant protest from Cannonier, and boos from the group.

Relentless stress from Nassourdine Imavov forces the ref to name the stoppage. #UFCLouisville pic.twitter.com/Oy3S8v83i8

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 9, 2024

Because of the stoppage, Imavov secures his third UFC stoppage and back-to-back wins following a majority resolution over Roman Dolidze in February.

Throughout his post-fight interview, Imavov mentioned he was able to hold combating had the referee not stepped in however knew he would discover the end ultimately.

“My aim is to get the belt, for me, my household, everybody round me,” Imavov mentioned by an interpreter. “I’d prefer to struggle Sean Strickland in Paris. So Sean Strickland, if you wish to do it, come to Paris and we’re going to struggle collectively.”

Cannonier’s try to stretch his profitable streak to 3 was denied. After defeating former champion Sean Strickland and Marvin Vettori, “Killa Gorilla” was on the hunt for one more shot on the middleweight title, however now finds himself farther from that aim.

Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 57 outcomes embody:

• Nassourdine Imavov def. Jared Cannonier through TKO (punches) – Spherical 4, 1:34
• Dominick Reyes def. Dustin Jacoby through knockout (punches) – Spherical 1, 2:00
• Raul Rosas Jr. def. Ricky Turcios through submission (rear-naked choke) – Spherical 2, 2:22
• Brunno Ferreira def. Dustin Stoltzfus through TKO (spinning again elbow) – Spherical 1, 4:51
• Zach Reese def. Julian Marquez through TKO (strikes) – Spherical 1, 0:20
• Puna Soriano def. Miguel Baeza through unanimous resolution (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)
• Ludovit Klein def. Thiago Moises through unanimous resolution (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Carlos Prates def. Charlie Radtke through knockout (physique shot) – Spherical 1, 4:47
• Brad Katona def. Jesse Butler through unanimous resolution (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
• Montana De La Rosa def. Andrea Lee through cut up resolution (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Daniel Marcos def. John Castaneda through unanimous resolution (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Denise Gomes def. Eduarda Moura through cut up resolution (29-28, 27-30, 30-27)
• Taylor Lapilus def. Cody Stamann through unanimous resolution (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Puja Tomar def. Rayanne Amanda through cut up resolution (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC on ESPN 57.