UFC Louisville: Cannonier vs. Imavov Fight Card, Predictions, & Odds

The KFC Yum! Center in Louisville will host the crucial middleweight battle between ranked middleweight contenders Jared Cannonier and Nassourdine Imavov this weekend. The result will determine their respective fates in the division moving forward.

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Although both are coming off victories in their previous fights inside the octagon, Nassourdine, the No. 8-ranked contender, is the betting favorite in the UFC odds heading into the match with -140 odds. Meanwhile, Cannonier, who is ranked higher in the rankings at No. 4, will be the +115 underdog.

Jared Cannonier Recent Fight Results

Cannonier made his UFC debut in April 2016 as a heavyweight. He immediately moved to the light heavyweight division, where he amassed a record of 3-3. Following his stint in the heavier weight class, he finally found a home in the middleweight division.

Since this move in the 185-pound division, “The Killa Gorilla” has won seven of his nine fights. Cannonier even became a title challenger in July 2022 but came up short to win the belt. He currently rides a two-fight win streak by beating Sean Strickland and Marvin Vettori in his last two fights.

Nassourdine Imavov Recent Fight Results

Imavov made his promotional debut in the UFC in October 2020. He immediately won four of his first five fights to crack a spot in the top 15 rankings. He defeated the likes of Jordan Williams, Ian Heinisch, Edmen Shahbazyan, and Joaquin Buckley.

After that incredible start to his career under the Las Vegas-based promotion, he won just one of his last three fights, as he had a no-contest result against Chris Curtis and a loss from Strickland. His previous bout against Roman Dolidze was a majority decision win in February.

Jared Cannonier vs. Nassourdine Imavov: Tale of the Tape

Jared Cannonier vs. Nassourdine Imavov: Fight Analysis

The height and leg reach advantages will be in favor of Imavov, as he’s 4 inches taller (6-foot-3 against 5-foot-11) and has a half-an-inch longer leg reach than Cannonier (42 inches versus 41.5 inches). But Cannonier has the upper hand in reach that is longer by 2.5 inches (77. inches compared to 75 inches).

One major difference between the two middleweights is their age because Cannonier is older by 11 years at 40, and Imavov is only 29 years old heading into the clash. This may account for an experience edge for Cannonier, but the youth and athleticism are surely in Imavov’s corner.

They are also similar stylistically, with both having striking backgrounds. This is very evident in their records, as most of their wins were via TKO/KOs. Cannonier’s victories were 63% TKO/KOs (with a 71% finish rate), while 45% of Imavov’s wins were via this method (with a 69% finish rate).

This striking heavy style of both fighters is also evident in their significant strike output, as they are both high-volume fighters. Cannonier has 4.68 significant strikes per minute (52% accuracy) and 4.13 significant strikes absorbed strike per minute (with 59% defense), and Imavov has 4.53 significant strikes per minute (54% accuracy) and 3.26 significant strikes absorbed strike per minute (with 61% defense).

The key for Cannonier is to pressure Imavov early in the fight and earn respect for his power. This would back him up and make him lose confidence in standing and trading. This strategy would also allow him to find his best shots, which could eventually be the finishing blow of the fight for the victory.

Meanwhile, Imavov should use his speed advantage to frustrate Cannonier. He should wait for him to open up and counter him with his own powerful shots while gassing him out by making his opponent miss with a big swing of punches. Once Cannonier is gassed, he can start overwhelming him with volume to score a stoppage win.

Official Prediction: TKO/KO victory for Jared Cannonier