Nassourdine Imavov secured a unanimous decision victory over Roman Dolidze in Las Vegas, breaking his two-fight winless streak in the UFC. Throughout the bout, Imavov effectively utilized his range and speed, frustrating Dolidze with a superior striking game. In the fourth round, a contentious moment occurred when Imavov landed an illegal kick to Dolidze’s head while Dolidze had a hand on the canvas, prompting a brief stoppage.
this is EXACTLY why the rule needs to go. this should be LEGAL all the time. #UFCVegas85 pic.twitter.com/4tIwu67iYA
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) February 4, 2024
Nassourdine Imavov dominates; Fans support Imavov over rule that “favours” wrestlers
In the opening round, Dolidze and Imavov engaged in a competitive battle with Dolidze initiating a clinch, countered by Nassourdine Imavov’s solid elbow. Despite Dolidze’s complaints about glove holding, the referee took no action. Imavov separated and landed effective strikes, dropping Dolidze with a powerful right hand and swarming with punches until the round ended. The second round showcased Imavov’s precise striking, while Dolidze’s attempts to clinch were thwarted by the referee due to insufficient action.
In the third round, Imavov demonstrated superior striking, with Dolidze briefly reversing in the clinch before a separation. Despite a point deduction in the fourth round, Nassourdine Imavov showcased resilience, and Dolidze secured a takedown. The final round saw Dolidze initiating leg kicks countered by Imavov’s aggressive punches. The fight ended with clinch exchanges and striking until the final bell, securing Imavov’s victory.
Imavov’s kick to a grounded Dolidze during Round 4 has divided fans on social media. A strike on a grounded opponent is deemed illegal if he has a weight-bearing hand or palm on the canvas. This has sparked controversy on the social media as some fans argue over the strike’s legality, suggesting the use of a weight-bearing hand.
That was clearly illegal tho, like the rule sucks but it has to be a weight bearing hand to be illegal, and that was super weight bearing
— Nick (@quones24) February 4, 2024
Many fans suggest a rule modification. The debate extends to comparisons with previous fights and questioning the consistency of rules. Fans have shown support to Imavov following the bout.
Couldn't agree more! 💪 Let's make this LEGAL all the time! Who's ready for some rule changes? 🤔 #UFCVegas85
— Sillyhumor2024 (@Sillyhumor2024) February 4, 2024
A fan went on to cite this rule is a benefit to the wrestlers as “wrestlers use this (one hand on the canvas to avoid strikes) to their advantage which causes issues”, thus emphasizing the need of a rule change.
Yup it stalls and interrupts the fight. You also see wrestlers use this to their advantage which causes issues. Let them fight FFS!!
— Robbie_Snipe⚛️ (@RobbieSnipe) February 4, 2024
Nassourdine Imavov’s dominant display of striking has been impressive to watch in the UFC Middleweight division. In a division that showcases the mixed skills of grappling and striking, the emergence of Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland changed the division and Imavov continues to follow in that step with a record of 13 wins and 4 losses (1 NC).