Nassourdine Imavov decisions Brendan Allen in UFC Paris co-main event

A middleweight contest between contenders was featured in Saturday’s UFC Paris co-main event.  No. 4 ranked Nassourdine Imavov and No. 7 ranked Brendan Allen went the distance but a clear winner emerged.

Imavov entered the fight coming off back-to-back wins.  He stopped Jared Cannonier in his last fight back in June.  Allen made the walk to the octagon riding a seven-fight winning streak and eyeing title contention.  

Allen closed the distance early in the opening round and slammed Imavov to the canvas in the center of the octagon.  Allen moved to side control and maintained position.  Allen tried to advance to the mount Imavov but ended in half guard.  Imavov worked to get to full guard.  Allen postured up and connected with a right hand as he dropped back into Imavov’s guard.  Allen dominated the first round but didn’t inflict much damage.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Allen.   

Allen missed with a right hand to start the second frame.  He was accidentally poked in the eye and was given time to recover.  Moments later the fight was restarted and the two exchanged leg kicks.  Allen pressed forward and looked to get the fight to the ground.  Imavov defended the attempt and let Allen back to his feet.  

Imavov connected with a right hand.  Allen responded with left hand before changing levels for a takedown.  Imavov sprawled and gained top position.  He delivered some hard punches inside Allen’s guard.  Allen rolled and worked his way back to his feet.  Imavov landed a head kick.  Allen fired back but ate a right hand.  Allen again looked to get the fight to the ground but Imavov stuffed the attempt.  Imavov mounted Allen with a minute remaining.  Allen rolled and Imavov took his back.  Imavov worked to secure an armor in the final seconds but Allen escaped.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Imavov.  

With each fighter clearly winning a round, the final frame would determine the winner.  Allen opened the round with a leg kick.  Imavov responded with a combination.  Allen quickly looked to take Imavov down but Imavov sprawled and pulled his leg free.  Allen rolled to his back and Imavov dropped down into Allen’s guard.  

Imavov landed left hands.  Allen got back to his feet and immediately worked to take Imavov down.  Imavov defended the attempt and unloaded a combination as they separated.  Allen responded with a right hand.  Allen tried to throw Imavov to the canvas but couldn’t.  They worked along the cage in the clinch with 80 seconds remaining in the round.  Allen connected with an elbow on the inside and worked for a takedown.  Imavov shook off the attempt and connected with a combination.  Imavov defended another takedown attempt and landed a right hand at the bell.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Imavov.  

All three judges scored the fight 29-28 for Imavov.  With the win, Imavov extended his win streak to three consecutive fights.