Nassourdine Imavov

Despite the controversial stoppage, Nassourdine Imavov was impressive in his second main event opportunity, climbing the ladder by knocking down number four ranked middleweight Jared Cannonier. Imavov will move up from number seven as he continues his rise which was halted briefly by a loss to Sean Strickland and no-contest against Chris Curtis.

Imavov now steps into an elite, and muddy, echelon of potential middleweight title contenders. Himself, Strickland, Israel Adesanya, Khamzat Chimaev, Robert Whittaker, and formerly Cannonier are all potentially one win away from the belt. As the newest of the pack, it’s safe to say that Imavov is towards the back of the line with this bunch, but with a number one contender fight he could earn a shot.

Chimaev and Whittaker are fighting already, and Adesanya is rumored to be the next challenger for the belt. Therefore the problem is that the logical contender is Strickland, who just beat Imavov a year and a half ago. Still, when you get down to it, it’s truly the only thing that makes sense, since rematches aren’t usually the UFC’s jam.

Imavov’s Next Fight: Sean Strickland

Dominick Reyes

After nearly five full years, Dominick Reyes has earned a win in the UFC octagon again. When he lost a decision, which many felt was erroneous, to champion Jon Jones in 2020, it was assumed that he would be back sooner rather than later. Three straight knockout losses changed that, but by fighting through the fire to finish Dustin Jacoby, Reyes announced to the world that he is back.

Given his fifteenth rank in the division, Dom will not be in a title fight in short order. But the ranks are ripe for the climbing. To start with, the newest member of the 205-lb top fifteen seems like a logical opponent for Reyes. Bogdan Guskov entered the rankings when he knocked out Ryan Spann, the last man to knock Reyes out, so it would be interesting to see how Dominick fairs against him. Also, Guskov is one of the few unbooked LHWs at present.

Reyes’s Next Fight: Bogdan Guskov

Raul Rosas Jr.

Raul Rosas Jr. faced adversity in a tough first round against Ricky Turcios at UFC Louisville, but the youngest fighter in the UFC (and in the promotion’s history) kept at it and found his way to a rear-naked choke win the next round. Rosas improved his record with the promotion to 3-1.

Still, at 19 he is way too young to begin pushing up the rankings in earnest. Let him go the Chase Hooper route. He can fight guys like Chad Anheliger, Christian Quinonez, and Kleydson Rodrigues for years. As a matter of fact, Anheliger is the perfect opponent for Rosas’ next fight.

Rosas’ Next Fight: Chad Anheliger

Brunno Ferreira

‘The Hulk’ roared again as Brunno Ferreira blazed his path to victory in blood, this time painting it with his elbows. His two spinning elbows which got the knockout were a thing of beauty. Ferreira may never be champ or even a ranked fighter, but he is sure to entertain for years to come.

He could fight any number of middleweights like Gerald Meerschaert, Rodolfo Vieira, or Jacob Malkoun. But one option that may come out of left field is Bruno Silva. In many ways ‘Blindado’ was just like Brunno Ferreira, before Ferreira was himself: power striking, reckless abandon, and Brazilian athleticism on full display. Silva is getting old but has been losing to near-ranked fighters, so the step down in competition would be a appropriate one.

Ferreira’s Next Fight: Bruno Silva

Zach Reese

Zach Reese’s sophomore effort in the UFC went better than his first, as this time he ended up on the right side of the highlight-reel first round knockout. At 7-1 he is highly inexperienced, but his 6’4″ frame at middleweight is promising.

Just last week another great athlete fought when Cesar Almeida lost a split decision to Roman Kopylov. Reese is perhaps an opponent at a more realistic experience level for Almeida than Kopylov was. It’s a fair bout and an entertaining one.

Reese’s Next Fight: Cesar Almeida

Punahele Soriano

Welterweight Puna came late to the welterweight party but he appears to be absolutely ready to stay. The Hawaiian was known as a striker for most of his career, but dominantly out-wrestled Miguel Baeza in his 170lb debut, setting several records in the process.

Now at 4-4 in the UFC, Soriano has to fight someone like Bassil Hafez next. A new talent who went to war with Jack Della Maddalena and Mickey Gall in his first two UFC fights, Hafez would truly test Puna on the ground and feet. With both at .500 in the UFC and having competed within a week of each other, the matchup makes sense.

Soriano’s Next Fight: vs Bassil Hafez

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In the main event, top ranked middleweight Jared Cannonier lost a heartbreaking controversial TKO to Nassourdine Imavov, in a bout where he had a lot to lose and very little to gain.

Jared Cannonier

Jared’s controversial TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov in the main event on Saturday snapped his two-fight win streak. The streak included wins over Marvin Vettori and former UFC middleweight champion, Sean Strickland.

Best thing for Cannonier here would be to run it back immediately. The fight was close until the finish and if he were to fight Imavov again and win, Cannonier would be close to where he was in the title shot picture previously. It’s the fight that would make the most sense for Cannonier unless an opportunity to fight a higher ranked opponent arose. Whether the UFC is up for it remains to be seen, but neither man is next, or even second, in line for a title shot.

Cannonier’s next fight: Nassourdine Imavov 

Dustin Jacoby

Dustin Jacoby was finished in the first round by a returning Dominick Reyes in what was a blisteringly paced fight, while it lasted. It was a rough loss for Jacoby as he has now lost four of his last five fights. It’s a far fall from Jacoby’s seven-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC between 2020-2022.

Jacoby should next fight Ryan Spann, who last fought in April, when he was finished by Bogdan Guskov. Spann’s last win was over Dominick Reyes in 2022 and he has since lost three in a row. Winner of the fight could potentially be look at fighting for a fringe ranking slot in the following fight.

Jacoby’s next fight: Ryan Spann

Ricky Turcios

Raul Rosas Jr. submitted Ricky Turcios in the people’s main event of UFC Louisville. The Ultimate Fighter Season 29 winner has gone 1-2 in the UFC since his TUF tournament victory over Brady Hiestand in 2021.

Turcios’ next fight should come against Cameron Saaiman. Cameron is a Contender Series 2022 alum, is 3-2 with the UFC and another young prospect at just 23 years old. Saaiman is on a two-fight skid having lost to Christan Rodriguez and most recently being finished by Payton Talbott. Fighting Saaiman would be an excellent way to measure both fighters and would carry some weight just like Ricky’s fight against Raul Rosas Jr.

Turcios’s next fight: Cameron Saaiman

Dustin Stoltzfus

Dustin Stoltzfus was TKO’d in the final seconds of the first round in a wild scrap against Brunno Ferreira on Saturday.

Stoltzfus is now 2-5 in the UFC and 2-2 in his last four. Dustin has had some pretty tough opponents in his time with the UFC thanks to his win over Joe Pyfer on the Contender Series.

Sedriques Dumas would be a good fight for him and makes a little bit more sense for Dustin than fighting Julian Maquez or Marquez fighting Dumas. Dumas is also a Contender Series product, 2-2 in the UFC and his last fight was a first-round loss to Nursulton Ruziboev in March.

Stoltzfus’s next fight: Sedriques Dumas

Julian Marquez

With the 20 second finish at the hands of Zach Reese on the main card of UFC Louisville, Julian Marquez has now been stopped three times in a row. Marquez’s last win in the UFC came in 2021 against Sam Alvey.

Julian Marquez should fight the winner of Denis Tiuliulin and Abu Azaitar who are scheduled to fight on June 22. Both fighters currently have only one win in the UFC and are on multiple fight losing streaks. Marquez needs a win badly and a fight against the winner of Tiuliulin vs. Azaitar would be a good opportunity to start to move back in the right direction.

Marquez’s next fight: Denis Tiuliulin vs. Abu Azaitar Winner

Miguel Baeza

Miguel Baeza lost a unanimous decision to Punahele Soriano to open the main card of UFC Louisville. Baeza has struggled recently and has now lost his last four fights in the UFC since starting off hot with three wins in a row. Baeza has had a tough strength of schedule, having shared the octagon with Matt Brown, Santiago Ponzinibbio, Khaos Williams and Andre Fialho.

Miguel needs a win, badly. Danny Roberts would be a solid matchup as Roberts is on a three-fight skid. Roberts has been out of action for nearly a year since a second-round finish loss opposite of Jonny Parsons, in July of last year. Roberts is still a name in the UFC, with a 7-7 record with the promotion. Great fight to evaluate where both fit into the UFC’s welterweight roster.

Baeza’s next fight: Danny Roberts

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What there was, in the end, was four individual efforts deemed worthy of a Performance of the Night bonus. Among those winners, 19-year old bantamweight Raul Rosas Jr, a sensation since signing with the UFC after winning on Dana White’s Contender Series while he was still just 17.

Paired up with TUF 29 winner Ricky Turcios, who declined a glove touch and got in Rosas’ face off the opening bell, the teen improved to 3-1 inside the octagon care of a second-round rear-naked choke. Rosas Jr. had to fight off an RNC himself in the first frame, with Turcios locking on the choke and Rosas Jr. simply powering through it, punching back at his opponent while fans in the arena chanted “f*ck you, Ricky!” over and over.

The eventual submission win is another milestone for Rosas, clearly the biggest in his young career. Defeating a TUF champ will mean a bigger test next time out no doubt. For now, Raul Rosas Jr. earns his third Performance bonus in three wins with the company, a combined $150,000 at an age when most of his peers are starting college.

Zach Reese scored his own 50K Performance bonus after making quick work of Julian Marquez, notching his first UFC win in the process. Carlos Prates and Brunno Ferreira picked up the remaining two $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses at UFC Louisville.

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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

https://twitter.com/Actionman513/status/1799644413850796384

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? https://t.co/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

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Coming up short against Israel Adesanya in 2022, Cannonier had bounced back with two straight wins, including a record-setting (most strikes in a middleweight fight) performance against Marvin Vettori last June.

With Saturday’s main event underway, it was Cannonier looking to land the power shots, but Imavov appeared to have some success with the jab early, using his length well. Cannonier, however, connected with a few calf kicks that would be worth keeping an eye on. Just over a minute it, Cannonier took the fight to the fence, and got Imavov down, though the French middleweight quickly moved to one knee. Off the break, it was Cannonier with an elbow over the top.

Before any more action unfolded, the ref warned Imavov for having his fingers outstretched. Then it was back to work, with Cannonier landing a couple more low kicks. Despite Imavov being the longer fighter, Cannonier wasn’t having too much trouble getting inside, though Imavov caught a kick and dumped his opponent with about two minutes still on the clock. He couldn’t capitalize on it however.

Between rounds, the ref again advised Imavov and his corner about fingers being outstretched. With the second underway, Cannonier went back to his low kicks, then basically pushed Imavov to the ground, though he was quickly back up. Imavov would try to answer Cannonier’s leg kicks with one of his own, but it did not land with the same authority. Cannonier, meanwhile, drove Imavov into the fence, eating a few elbows in the process. A lot of grappling, and Imavov potentially slowing a step, though he’d had the speed advantage from the outset.

Round three saw Imavov in the driver’s seat really for the first significant amount of time in the fight. He controlled from the back along the fence early, but Cannonier would reverse with over three minutes on the clock. The grueling, grinding battle wasn’t helping anyone’s case for a title shot, however. Near the midway mark, Imavov found his range, sending Imavov backpedaling twice before Cannonier answered with a combo. Still, a much better frame for Nassourine Imavov as they headed to round four.

The complexion of the fight changed drastically early in round four. Less than 90 seconds in, Imavov rocked Cannonier with a right hand, causing him to stumble back! Imavov went after “The Killa Gorilla,” landing a knee, then landed several more times as Cannonier retreated. Cannonier was covering up, moving back and forth, and the ref waved things off to an immediate protest- perhaps deservedly, as Cannonier did not appear to be out of the fight at that point.

The crowd didn’t like it, nor did Cannonier though he showed good sportsmanship in embracing Imavov after the result was read. Still, UFC Louisville will go down as a big win for Nassourdine Imavov.

Official Result: Nassourdine Imavov def. Jared Cannonier by TKO, Round 4, 1:34

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After arguably deserving the decision, and the belt, but ultimately losing his undefeated record against Jon Jones in 2020, Reyes went on a three-fight streak of being brutally knocked out, the last of which with a jab. After taking time away, he returned against former GLORY kickboxer Dustin Jacoby. A poor streak also lowered Jacoby’s stock, with his recent 1-3 streak being the reason he is no longer ranked.

They traded kicks, mostly, to start. Both men targeted each other’s body with roundhouses, but Jacoby also went low to the legs while he pressured. Dustin landed the first good punches but Reyes countered and sent Dustin stumbling to the fence. Jacoby reset, but was met with a knee that took him from somewhat hurt, to borderline out cold. He picked himself up off the ground but ate another flurry from Reyes, making the referee stop the bout even as Jacoby fell face-first once more.

It was an emotional moment for Reyes, who celebrated with the full force of a crowd behind him who knows, to a small extent, what he has been through to get back to winning.

Official Result: Dominick Reyes def. Dustin Jacoby by TKO (knee and punches), Round 1, 2:00

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The fight, which had initially been rescheduled a week out from the Mexico City date before being pushed back once again, found Rosas looking to improve to 3-1 under the UFC banner. Turcios, winner of The Ultimate Fighter 29, represented a credible step up in competition.

Turcios opted to start off hot with a scream followed by a kick, setting the tone early. Rosas, however, landed his first takedown less than thirty seconds into the opening round, forcing Turcios to scramble back to the fence. Turcios couldn’t make it back up however, and was then serenaded with a “f*ck you Ricky!” chant from a clearly pro-Rosas Jr. crowd.

At the midway point of round one, Turcios finally got back to his feet, only to be picked up and put back down. Turcios scrambled, but Rosas stayed on him and prevented the reversal. Turcios did, however, land a few elbows before making it back up again, albeit briefly. This time, Rosas dragged Turcios down and nearly took the back, but Ricky finally managed to reverse, took the back, and put on a body triangle, locking up a tight rear-naked choke! Rosas Jr, rather than defend, punched backwards and just gutted through it! Not what you’d call intelligent defense, but it worked, and he actually finished the round taking the back himself.

These two are RELENTLESS 💥#UFCLouisville pic.twitter.com/fIMAo1aTry

— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2024

Round two found Raul Rosas Jr. secured an early takedown, with Turcios seated along the fence. Again, he would drop some elbows, and soon back it back up, with Rosas still on him. Rosas dragged him down and took the back again, hunting the rear-naked choke. Turcios fought hands, but couldn’t break the body lock. Rosas got his arm in, across the face initially, then slipped under the chin and forced the tap! The biggest career win to date for the teenaged star, who celebrated with a victory lab around the cage.

Official Result: Raul Rosas Jr. def. Ricky Turcios by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 2:22

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Ferreira is known as the definition of a kill-or-be-killed fighter, having never been past the second round in a fight. With two knockout wins and one KO loss in the UFC, he had a big chance to improve to 3-1 here. Stoltzfus stood in his way. Having once been 0-3 with the UFC, the Pennsylvania native battled back to win two of his last three, but he still needs more work to get to a safe spot. However, Ferreira was the favorite and got the job done after early adversity.

Brunno uncharacteristically retreated from conflict, circling the cage initially except for the few times he attacked. When he went for a big overhand, Stoltzfus was able to slip it and land a takedown. He settled in full guard but Ferreira pushed off and got to his knees. He was not agile enough to fully escape in the next scramble, and Dustin took his back but fell over the top. He instantly went for a kneebar when Brunno got on top. Stoltzfus cranked it a few times, but eventually his prey kicked out and escaped. With one minute left in the round Ferreira caught Dustin with a spinning back-elbow that rocked Stoltzfus. That started forty five seconds of ‘Hulk’ chasing his prey with wide, looping shots. He connected enough to keep Stoltzfus hurt and finally put him away with another spinning elbow.

Ferreira celebrated with his ‘Hulk Smash,’ jumping up to slam both fists into the center of the octagon as he landed. Based on the crowd’s cheers in Louisville, the Brazilian may have gained a new fanbase tonight.

Official Result: Brunno Ferreira def. Dustin Stoltzfus by TKO (spinning elbow) Round 1, 4:51

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Despite a respectable 3-3 UFC record, Julian ‘The Cuban Missile Crisis” Marquez was finished in his last two fights and had not won since 2021 coming into this Saturday’s fight. On the other side, Reese lost his first-and-only UFC fight by TKO due to a slam, an extraordinarily rare occurrence. The fight was close if you paid attention to the odds, but it certainly did not play out that way.

Zach Reese threw three strikes on the feet the entire fight. He connected with a body kick, then shifted into a left hook followed by a right uppercut. The uppercut caught Julian Marquez under the chin and floored him. A few ground strikes on a stunned Marquez got the referee to step in at exactly the twenty second mark.

The crowd absolutely loved it, and ate out of his hand during the lost-fight speech. Reese seemed to love every moment, and why not? It is not often that you get your first UFC win with a highlight reel knockout.

Official Result: Zach Reese def. Julian Marquez by TKO (uppercut to ground strikes) Round 1, 0:20

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Baeza, known for thrilling finishes and a war with Santiago Ponzinibbio, had missed all of 2023, leaving the question of ring rust up in the air.

Early on at the KFC Yum! Center, Baeza put Soriano on the fence; later, he’d wrap up a guillotine, though when Soriano pulled free, he was in position to do some damage. Baeza would survive, later locking up a heel hook. Soriano gutted it out, and landed some heavy blows from a seated position, but still Baeza held onto the limb. More heavy blows from Soriano were followed by a roll, with Miguel holding onto the leg. This time, he went after a kneebar, but Soriano survived, then went after Baeza back on the feet, only for the horn to sound.

A crazy first round, with Soriano showing he had clearly held onto his power despite dropping 15 pounds. Round two opened with a Baeza front kick to the body; Soriano answered with a takedown, and nearly took the back, with Baeza rolling. Soriano was able to rip the body and land a few hammer fists to the head; Baeza closed up his guard, for the time being accepting the position. Soriano stayed busy on top while Baeza hunted for an arm-bar. That didn’t happen, and Soriano opened up, dropping bombs until Baeza rolled to his knees out of desperation.

Punahele Soriano was able to control from a three-quarter position, not quite taking the back, pounding away with short punches, not quite able to put Baeza away.

Miguel Baeza needed to switch things up in the third, but instead was immediately taken to the fence, and taken down, by Punahele Soriano. The Hawaiian was having his way with Baeza, and it seemed like the ref was getting ready to make the call. Baeza rolled to his knees, doing just enough to stay in the fight. Soriano, meanwhile, landed punch after thudding punch to the side of Baeza while the pair continued the grappling battle. If Soriano was slowing, meanwhile, Baeza appeared exhausted.

The fight was never close, the outcome never in question as Soriano earned himself a one-sided decision win to open the UFC Louisville main card.

Official Result: Punahele Soriano def. Miguel Baeza by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)

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