Khabib’s homeland dragged into middleweight beef as Caio Borralho exposes top contender
Rising middleweight contender Caio Borralho slams Nassourdine Imavov’s Dagestani heritage for rejecting fight offer.
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Caio Borralho mocks Nassourdine Imavov’s Dagestani heritage (via Imago/X)
The UFC middleweight division has evolved into a fiercely competitive battleground, showcasing fresh talent and thrilling title shifts every year. Caio Borralho and Nassourdine Imavov have emerged as formidable contenders, each having impressive winning streaks that demand attention. Their rising momentum has sparked intense fan debates, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
Borralho is undefeated in the UFC and now sits confidently at number six in the competitive middleweight rankings. Eager for a top-five opponent, he persistently called out Nassourdine Imavov, seeking a fight that could elevate his title aspirations. After Imavov declined the challenge, Borralho expressed frustration, publicly criticizing Imavov’s Dagestani heritage.
The UFC came to [Imavov] and said ‘if you say no, you’re not the next in line, Caio will be ahead of you’. And then he said ‘Okay, I agree with that’…I think Dagestani people are ashamed of him… this guy is a f***ing p*ssy. Dagestan is ashamed of you.
Caio Borralho via FULL SEND MMA
Imavov was born on March 1, 1995, in Khasavyurt, Dagestan, Russia, into an ethnic Kumyk family. While Dagestan is renowned for its wrestling culture, Imavov did not engage in sports during his early years there. At the age of 9, he moved with his family to Salon-de-Provence, France, where he began boxing. Later, he transitioned to mixed martial arts, eventually representing France in the UFC.
Caio Borralho just BLASTED Nassourdine Imavov for apparently refusing a fight with him that was offered by the UFC
— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) April 10, 2025
“I think the Dagestani people are ASHAMED of him, this guy is a F*****G P***Y. Dagestan is ashamed of him” 😳 pic.twitter.com/o3kcGy3WB9
The Dagestani wrestling style has been heavily hyped recently, and Borralho seems intent on disrespecting Imavov to provoke a fight. Borralho’s meteoric UFC rise is boosted by brutal knockouts and an electric fighting style that kept fans on their feet. With each win, he has displayed technical precision, ruthless aggression, and charisma, captivating MMA fans around the globe.
Borralho’s knack for decisive finishes has made him must-watch entertainment, electrifying fans every time he enters the octagon. Over the last few years, his status as both a fan favorite and a dangerous contender has gained serious momentum. The added tension with Imavov has only intensified fan interest, with many eagerly awaiting the Frenchman’s long-anticipated response.
When Nassourdine Imavov’s performance impressed Khabib Nurmagomedov
Calculated performances, sharp striking, and undeniable technical growth in every fight have marked Nassourdine Imavov’s rise in the UFC. With each victory, he’s proven himself as a serious contender, blending precision and patience in a division full of explosive talent. His calm demeanor and strategic approach have earned respect, showing he belongs among the best in the middleweight rankings today.
Imavov’s composed fighting style and background in wrestling have shaped him into a formidable threat for any opponent. In his last outing, the Frenchman took on former champion Israel Adesanya and won the fight by TKO. After the fight, legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov congratulated the fighter on social media.
Dagestani contenders have steadily risen in the UFC, dominating different divisions. Icons like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev paved the way, showcasing a legacy rooted in strength, strategy, and pure dominance. Recently, Magomed Ankalaev joined this elite group by defeating Alex Pereira, becoming the newest Dagestani UFC champion. Going forward, Imavov has the potential to join that club.
Can Caio Borralho beat Nassourdine Imavov?
Caio Borralho has all the tools to beat Nassourdine Imavov, especially with his power, explosiveness, and aggressive forward pressure from the start. Borralho’s knockout ability and dynamic striking could overwhelm Imavov if he controls the pace and avoids getting stuck at range.
However, Imavov’s technical striking and composed style might neutralize Borralho’s aggression if he maintains distance and dictates the fight tempo. The outcome depends on who executes better—Borralho’s intensity or Imavov’s precision could ultimately determine who emerges victorious inside the octagon.
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