Media Imavov: No longer back-up for UFC 319, aims to make Borralho stop talking

[Unheralded Truth]

Imavov previously chose to sign the papers of him being a back-up fighter for the huge title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, over accepting a call-out from no. 6 ranked Caio Borralho.

He explained his decision by saying "It's just their way of managing their careers. Falling forward. That it’s better to fall forward than backward. He'd come against the No. 1 contender and then get his ass kicked, then they’ll say ‘well, he’s no. 1 so, he’ll recover and come back stronger."

“So, just wait your turn. Little by little. You have to be patient. People aren’t patient. The key is patience, true or not?”

But the previously modest and respectful Caio Borralho has seemingly gotten more vocal for every win, and is lately taking on a different approach on social media. Which has made old fans of his divided. He replied to the reasoning from Imavov by referring to him as "The French Pussy" and said the if he was him, he'd have too much shame to look into a mirror.

Now it looks like Nassourdine has reached out to the UFC on his own terms, to instead get the chance to silence the newest trash talker of the middleweight division. All signs point to UFC 319 now standing without a replacement fighter as was first planned.

 

[Koala]

I guess Chimaev finally got a visa, or they are looking for a Paris FN main event, which could mean that Gane is fighting Aspinall in the September or November PPV, and, thus, no Jones vs Aspinall

 

[RockyLockridge]

Kinda hope Imavov kicks his ass

 

[Urluberluu]

Kinda hope Imavov kicks his ass

the fraudcheck of all the fighting will continu

 

[Jawth]

Its dumb on his part. Decent chance that Khamzat pulls out.

Why not just book this fight on 319? He keeps his spot if Khamzat gets sick and can still plan to fight.

 

[Skarsgard]

Really tired of this dude. Squeaks by Allen and gets a couple of gift wins, so now he gets to talk like he's the top dog? Nah.

 

[richardjohnson]

Really tired of this dude. Squeaks by Allen and gets a couple of gift wins, so now he gets to talk like he's the top dog? Nah.

I don’t really get what you’re complaining about. He’s no longer the backup so he’s trying to get a fight with a dangerous prospect to earn a TS. What exactly did he do wrong? Be confident?

 

[Jawth]

Really tired of this dude. Squeaks by Allen and gets a couple of gift wins, so now he gets to talk like he's the top dog? Nah.

Allen had seven in a row, how is that not a great win?

 

[Skarsgard]

Allen had seven in a row, how is that not a great win?

On paper it is. The performance left a lot to be desired.

 

[Skarsgard]

I don’t really get what you’re complaining about. He’s no longer the backup so he’s trying to get a fight with a dangerous prospect to earn a TS. What exactly did he do wrong? Be confident?

It's not just him. I'm tired of the post-Conor era of everyone running their mouth about everything. It always comes off as disingenuous at best.

 

[CroCopsLHK]

Also. Has an arranged backup fighter EVER stepped into a title fight?

When Renato fought Islam he was already on the card IIRC

What I mean is when a fighter is paid to train, make weight, etc just to be the backup it never actually pans out does it? Maybe Sergei vs Tom for Jones vs Stipe? Kind of a different situation

Otherwise I think of Luque missing weight as the backup fighter. Or Gamrot being passed up for Volk vs Islam 2

The spot has good intentions but historically it seems useless