UFC Louisville’s main event bout Nassourdine Imavov and Jared Cannonier did not please fans in any way. The five-round middleweight bout ended in the most controversial way possible, with Imavov taking the win. While many fans criticized the stoppage, fellow middleweight Chris Curtis has a different opinion.
Many felt the referee did not give Cannonier a fair chance before calling off the fight. Meanwhile, Chris Curtis was present at the KFC Yum! Center and had a different perspective of the fight. Amidst all the debate, Curtis shared his honest opinion about the controversial stoppage.
Eh, I’m OK with the stoppage. Sucks for Cannonier, but the Frenchman landed a beautiful counter, and he looked hurt. Didn’t seem to recover well in the time given. Fair play and good shot to @imavov1 . Solid performance against a giant of a competitor.
Chris Curtis via X
In the fourth round of the fight, Imavov caught Jared Cannonier with a right hand, which rocked the ‘The Killa Gorilla.’ However, it wasn’t enough to put him out, but it did make Cannonier struggle. At that very moment, referee Jason Herzog decided to stop the fight, which he later condemned.
Eh, I’m OK with the stoppage. Sucks for Cannonier, but the Frenchman landed a beautiful counter, and he looked hurt. Didn’t seem to recover well in the time given. Fair play and good shot to @imavov1 . Solid performance against a giant of a competitor. #UFCLouisville
— Chris Curtis The Action Man (@Actionman513) June 9, 2024
An argument could be made that Cannonier might not have properly recovered. As such, Curtis believed that the stop made sense and credited Nassourdine Imavov. It was surprising, given the old rivalry between Curtis and the Frenchman. On top of it, Curtis is even ready to run it back with Imavov.
Chris Curtis wants Nassourdine Imavov in Paris
The first time Chris Curtis faced Nassourdine Imavov, the fight ended in a no-contest due to an accidental headbutt. Curtis then accused Imavov of being a dirty fighter, which only worsened their hatred. A rematch remains huge, considering the animosity between the fighters.
Chris Curtis plans to fight Nassourdine Imavov (via Sports Illustrated/UFC Fans)
In the same tweet, another user asked Chris Curtis whether he was ready to fight Imavov in Paris. The American fighter only recently recovered from an injury that happened during his short-notice bout against Brendan Allen. As such, Curtis indicated a mixed response when asked about fighting in the upcoming UFC Paris event.
Depends on the date. Not comfortable being that far away from my kid yet. But I would fucking love to fight in Paris. Promised the French Fans I would try the food.
Chris Curtis via X
Depends on the date. Not comfortable being that far away from my kid yet. But I would fucking love to fight in Paris. Promised the French Fans I would try the food
— Chris Curtis The Action Man (@Actionman513) June 9, 2024
On the other hand, it appears the ship has sailed since Imavov has made it obvious that he wishes to fight top fighters. The Frenchman has also targeted former middleweight champion Sean Strickland. As such, it remains to be seen if the rematch will happen at UFC Paris or if the promotion finds a different opponent for Imavov.
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