In the main event middleweights Roman Dolidze & Nasardine Imavov take centre stage. A battle that could bring a new contender at middleweight, both will want to make a statement. One thing is guaranteed; entertainment for the fans.
Roman Dolidze
#8 ranked Dolidze has been a contender in this division for a while now. Last fighting in March in London, Roman dropped a unanimous decision against Marvin Vettori. However, many believe that Dolidze should have picked up the win in that fight with his aggressive striking style. Although the Georgian may want to mix up the martial arts against Imavov. This fight represents a huge opportunity for Dolidze to make a statement and propel himself back to a top 5 fight in the division.
Nassourdine Imavov
#11 Imavov is on a similar rebuilding job. The Frenchman hasn’t fought in a year since his no-content against Chris Curtis, caused by a clash of heads. Previous to that encounter Imavov had lost to the recently dethroned champion Sean Strickland. Imavov took Strickland the full distance, losing a unanimous decision in a fight where he was largely outclassed on the feet. Nassourdin will be looking to get back to his stride and secure a top 10 place with a win over Dolidze.
What Unfolded
The first round was frantic and Imavov nearly put Dolidze out with a beautiful combination which put the Georgian to the canvas. Herb Dean allowed the fight to continue, whereas many would have called the action. Imavov ended the round on Dolidze’s back hammering down blows before transitioning to an arm-bar. It’s safe to say he was saved by the bell.
Dolidze seemed to have dusted the cobwebs off and instigated the clinch against the fence for the majority of the round, but when both men returned to the center of the cage, it’s Imavov that looks more likely. It was a better round for Dolidze, who controlled the action, but failed to have any major offence.
The third round followed a similar patter as the second with Dolidze beginning to fade and desperately trying to clinch against the fence. Imavov is finding the mark at will now with not much coming back from Dolidze.
Dolidze was offered a lifeline in the fourth after eating an illegal shot, but chose to continue. Imavov was deducted a point and both men continued to scrap it out with the tide changing back-and-forth.
Into the final round and Dolidze needed a finish, and tried to grapple his way to a potential submission, but it was to little too late. Imavov had done enough and ran down the clock to a unanimous decision victory. Props to Doldize’ for the mental toughness to not quit on himself.
Official result: Nassourdine Imavov def. Roman Dolidze by unanimous decision (49-44, 47-47, 48-46)
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
