UFC Louisville is in the books, and the main event middleweight showdown between Jared Cannonier and Nassourdine Imavov ended in controversy.
A competitive fight heading into the fourth round, it appeared France’s Imavov had begun to take over. And that’s just what played out, with Imavov tagging “The Killa Gorilla” and putting him in defensive mode. Imavov would go on the attack, landing a knee up the middle, then get his hands going again, swinging wildly at the former title challenger.
Cannonier was unquestionably under fire, retreating, and covering up at times. But a couple of strikes later, and referee Jason Herzog waved the fight off with Cannonier still on his feet, and not in any particularly dire situation. Cannonier immediately protested the stoppage, leading to one of the bigger controversial finishes in recent memory, especially with Cannonier chasing what will likely be his last title shot at age 40.
Was the fight stolen from Jared Cannonier? That’s bound to be debated over the coming days. His peers in the UFC and elsewhere certainly had their own opinions, with many believing the fight was ended too soon, including a pair of former UFC champions in Aljamain Sterling and Jamahal Hill.
Check out the “Pro Take” below as Cannonier’s fellow fighters sound off following the UFC Louisville main event!
Herzog is a great ref but should’ve let that one go a bit longer imoooooo
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) June 9, 2024
That stoppage was whack
— Randy Brown (@TouchNgo_) June 9, 2024
So discussion time guys, genuinely want people's thoughts with the stoppage. Personally It sucks for Cannonier but I understand the refs stoppage. From my seat he looked dazed and unbalanced. Yeah he could have continued but the risk of getting flat-lined is way higher now. 1/2
— Chris Curtis The Action Man (@Actionman513) June 9, 2024
This is CHAOS! #UFCLouisville
— Jasmine Jasudavicius (@JasJasudavicius) June 9, 2024
That was a terrible stoppage! Come on son!! #UFCLouisville
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) June 9, 2024
Yes a bit early, but the adjustments Imamov was making was impressive. I enjoyed that main event from start to finish 👏 #UFCLouisville
— Nazim Sadykhov (@naz_mma) June 9, 2024
La paro temprano si o no? pic.twitter.com/gimCfcwokS
— Emiliano Sordi (@emilianosordiOK) June 9, 2024
Early stoppage man respect to Jared all class man didn’t spazz out or nothing
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) June 9, 2024
I don’t like that stoppage. You gotta let these guys fight longer! He was still in the fight. #UFCLouisville
— Cody Durden (@Cody_Durden) June 9, 2024
Early stoppage in my opinion #UFCLouisville
— Ariane Lipski Da Silva (@Ariane_lipski) June 9, 2024
Horrible stoppage!!!!
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) June 9, 2024
