Caio Borralho's executioner mocks UFC loudmouth's mistake and reinforces his position as Chimaev's challenger

Caio Borralho loses to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Paris . Photo: Reproduction/UFC Europe

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Nassourdine Imavov , known for punishing his opponents' mistakes inside the octagon, has now extended his punishments outside the cage. The Frenchman, who defeated Caio Borralho at UFC Paris , had been rivaling Anthony Hernandez for a possible title shot. However, with 'Fluffy' injured , 'The Sniper' is confident he will be next in line and didn't forgive Chael Sonnen for 'making a mistake' by bringing up the subject.

In a post on X, following the announcement of Hernandez's injury, former fighter and commentator Chael Sonnen pointed to Imavov as the main challenger for Khamzat Chimaev 's title . However, he made a blunder by getting the Russian fighter, who is based in France, wrong.

“Imanov just became the number one contender,” Sonnen wrote.

The Frenchman didn't let it go unnoticed. Besides mocking Sonnen's slip-up, he took the opportunity to reaffirm his position as a contender for the middleweight title.

“Maybe, but Imanov needs to get past me first,” Imavov replied with laughing emojis.

Maybe, but Imanov gotta get through me first https://t.co/l6V7ExgoET

— Imavov Nassourdine (@imavov1) September 16, 2025

Middleweight title race

After Khamzat Chimaev defeated Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319, the question that lingered was who would be his first challenger. The answer to that question would emerge from two duels: Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho at UFC Paris , and Anthony Hernandez vs. Reinier de Ridder at UFC Vancouver.

Dana White's promise was clear: the most impressive victory from these matchups would be crowned as the challenge to "The Wolf's" reign. However, although Imavov defeated Borralho, the fight between Hernandez and De Ridder won't even happen. 'Fluffy' had to withdraw from the card due to injury and was replaced by Brendan Allen , which, theoretically, puts the Frenchman as the champion's next opponent.

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