The biggest win of Nassourdine Imavov’s UFC career thus far was perhaps tainted by a questionable referee stoppage after hurting Jared Cannonier.
The middleweight main event of UFC on ESPN 57 at KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky., was filled with heavy technical striking exchanges. That is, until Imavov (14-4 MMA, 6-2 UFC) rocked Cannonier (17-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC), leading to a controversial referee stoppage at 1:34 of Round 4.
With roaring chants of “U-S-A” echoing, Cannonier started the action with crisp punches. Imavov responded, countering nicely to keep Cannonier honest with his offense. After a short sequence on the mat after a Cannonier takedown, the middleweights returned to trading heavy shots in the center of the cage.
