Nassourdine Imavov won a controversial UFC Vegas 85 main event against Roman Dolidze, with an illegal kick and questionable scoring causing confusion among fighters and fans.
Saturday was a memorable day for Nassourdine Imavov. He won, but it wasn’t just any win.
Imavov, a French middleweight, out-struck and outworked Roman Dolidze for five rounds in the UFC Vegas 85 main event. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. A foul and a questionable score on one judge’s card left the fighters and those watching at home a tad confused.
Round 4 saw Imavov land an illegal kick on Dolidze. Dolidze had kept one hand on the mat to maintain his grounded status, making himself an ineligible target. Imavov lost a point, a decision that stirred some debate. Was the rule being enforced correctly?
The confusion deepened when one judge scored the fight 47-47. It seemed off, given Imavov’s strong performance.
Away from the main event, Renato Moicano’s post-fight victory speech was a hot topic. Moicano touched on a range of subjects, including his 62-year-old father recently fathering another child and his own aspiration to join a U.S. SWAT team.
Social media reactions? Check them out below.
Nassourdine Imavov def. Roman Dolidze
“4 eye pokes, 2 head butts, and kicking a downed opponent. What a time to be alive…” – Chris Curtis The Action Man
“47-47 ok ok. Someone getting fired tomorrow… and the 48-46 judge!” – Derek Brunson
“Herb Dean the GOAT! He Just played the role of ref, guidance counselor and therapist at the same time #MMA” – Derek Brunson
“What are the rules on a downed opponent!? That hand wasn’t weight bearing. At least I thought it wasn’t.” – Sam Alvey
“I respect that Roman is gonna keep fighting” – Eryk Anders
“This is why we get rid of this rule all together!” – Alan Jouban
“I dunno.. I kinda expected more from Dolidze coming into this fight.. Imavov really has just shut his whole game down fr. Also wth was with the corner trying to fight Imavov #UFCVegas85” – Megan Anderson
“Chris Curtis might have successfully got in Imavov’s head during the break” – Terrance McKinney
Renato Moicano def. Drew Dober, delivers another wild speech
“Wow! He has a new little baby brother! That’s awesome! Fair play Moiciano Snr hahaha” – Conor McGregor
“He was ranting about everything” – Terrance McKinney
“This Brazilian has the best interviews” – Cheyanne Vlismas
“Money Moicano is only getting his show and win money tonight, at best with this heavy grappling. Dana calling him Show Money Moicano right now #UFCvegas86” – Derek Brunson
“Moicano wanting absolutely nothing to do with Dober on the feet right now after getting rocked early in the 1st… and I don’t blame him!! #UFCVegas85” – Megan Anderson
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“Randy Brown is starting to find his rhythm. I want to see him in a big fight next. Maybe vs MVP/ Holland winner!” – Derek Brunson
“Rude Boi just clean with the offensive fundamentals tonight! What a KO!” – Kenny Florian
Natalia Silva puts on a show against Viviane Araujo
“Congrats Natalia Silva” – Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha )
Molly McCann gets the win in her strawweight debut
“Molly a fucking savage looked amazing” – Terrance McKinney
Charles Johnson upsets the previously undefeated Azat Maksum
“Super proud of @InnerGmma. I truly think this kid has the tools to compete with the best guys in his division and he showed it tonight. Now if he could show me that d’arce defense he used in round one, that would be great. #UFCVegas85” – Michael Chiesa
“Man what a fight a straight dog congrats to Johnson” – Terrance McKinney
Themba Gorimbo scores a 32-second knockout
“Brooo!! I went to get some water and the fights over?! Nasty finish! #UFCVegas85” – Aljamain Sterling
“Wowwwww excellent finish. Happy for him. Crazy story” – LERONE MURPHY