On September 6 at the Accor Arena in France, UFC Paris 2025 delivered a thrilling night of MMA. The card showcased strong performances, quick knockouts, smart submissions, and an influx of fresh competitors. Expectations were exceeded by this European showcase, which featured Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho as the main event.
Main Event: Imavov Outclasses Borralho in Five-Round Masterclass
In the main event of the UFC Paris, Nassourdine Imavov defeated Caio Borralho via unanimous decision. Imavov’s technical striking, footwork, and takedown defense were all on full display with scorecards which read 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46.
Imavov maintained his composure, defended the attacks, and controlled the pace despite Borralho’s attempts to bring the fight to the ground. Over the course of five rounds, Borralho was disappointed by his jab and range control. Imavov solidifies his standing as a leading contender in the UFC middleweight class with this victory, possibly setting up a title eliminator soon.
Co-Main Event: Saint Denis Submits Ruffy with Face Crank
Benoit Saint Denis overwhelmed the Paris crowd in the co-main event by submitting Mauricio Ruffy with a face crank in Round 2 at 2:56. Saint Denis demonstrated his superiority in grappling right away with early takedowns and constant pressure.
In the second round, Ruffy tried a tremendous comeback but was taken down once again. Taking the back, Saint Denis managed to submit with a vicious face crank. Saint Denis is currently 15–3 (1 NC), and all seven of his UFC victories have come via finish, showcasing his fight finishing ability.
Main Card Highlights
- Modestas Bukauskas knocked out Paul Craig at the end of Round 1. Craig announced his retirement from MMA following the loss.
- Mason Jones rallied from early trouble to TKO Bolaji Oki in Round 2 with sharp ground-and-pound.
- Axel Sola overwhelmed Rhys McKee to earn a third-round TKO, continuing his rise in the welterweight division.
- William Gomis scored a solid unanimous decision win over Robert Ruchala, using movement and volume to edge out a close contest.
UFC Paris 2025 Prelims Recap
- Rinat Fakhretdinov made a statement with a 54-second knockout over Andreas Gustafsson — fast, violent, and clinical.
- Sam Patterson survived early trouble and came back strong with a first-round TKO against Trey Waters, extending his streak of quick finishes.
- Ante Delija had a dream UFC debut, knocking out Marcin Tybura with a clean right hand. His close friend Tom Aspinall was visibly emotional cageside.
- Kaue Fernandes stopped Harry Hardwick via TKO. Hardwick was clearly in pain and had to be helped out of the octagon.
- Oumar Sy earned a first-round TKO over Brendson Ribeiro, showing strong control and finishing instincts.
- Robert Bryczek picked up a slick KO/TKO finish, continuing his rise in the middleweight ranks.
- Sam Hughes secured a rear-naked choke submission in Round 2, putting her grappling skills on full display.
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