The streets of Paris are buzzing once again as the UFC makes its annual September stop at the Accor Arena. UFC Paris has quickly become one of Europe’s most anticipated fight weeks, bringing together elite talent, high stakes, and a passionate French crowd that is still savoring the thrill of seeing MMA return to their nation in style.
This year’s card is more than just another event—it could be a defining night for the middleweight division. Nassourdine Imavov, the adopted hometown favorite, takes center stage as he puts his number two ranking on the line against Brazilian standout Caio Borralho, currently ranked seventh. With both men within touching distance of a title shot, the outcome of this clash could dictate who is next in line for the middleweight crown.
Imavov vs Borralho: A Pivotal Middleweight Showdown
The main event features two men whose careers have steadily climbed toward the elite tier of the UFC’s middleweight division. Imavov, a French-based star with a growing fan base in Paris, has proven himself to be a technical striker with strong defensive skills and the ability to neutralize his opponents. He enters the octagon with momentum and the comfort of fighting in front of a partisan crowd.
Borralho, on the other hand, represents the new wave of Brazilian talent. Known for his explosive grappling and relentless forward pressure, he has steadily carved his path through the division and now finds himself one win away from a potential title eliminator.
While speculation has swirled around the possibility of Reinier De Ridder being the one to dethrone Khamzat Chimaev—an opinion voiced by the likes of Joe Rogan and Luke Rockhold—this bout could have a more immediate impact on the title picture. The UFC has been clear in its matchmaking: the winner of Imavov vs Borralho will almost certainly move into direct contention for the middleweight belt.
Saint-Denis Returns in Lightweight Co-Main
The co-main event is equally compelling for the Parisian faithful, as lightweight Benoit Saint-Denis steps into the cage against Mauricio Ruffy. Saint-Denis has become a cult favorite among UFC fans, admired for his toughness, relentless style, and national pride. His clash with Ruffy promises to be a high-paced affair that could set the arena alight even before the main event.
Paul Craig Seeks Redemption Against Bukauskas
Adding to the excitement is Scottish fan-favorite Paul Craig, the only man to hold a win over current light-heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev. Craig will look to reassert himself in the division when he faces Lithuania’s Modestas Bukauskas. Known for his submission prowess, Craig is always a wild card in the division—capable of producing spectacular finishes when least expected. For Bukauskas, the matchup represents a chance to elevate his own status by toppling one of the division’s most unpredictable competitors.
Patricio Pitbull Meets Losene Keita in a Featherweight Classic
Perhaps the most intriguing clash outside of the main event comes at featherweight, where Bellator legend Patricio Pitbull makes his return against the surging Losene Keita. Pitbull, a two-weight champion and one of the most decorated fighters in Bellator history, is stepping into hostile territory against a man with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Keita, the reigning OKTAGON champion, is dropping to 145 pounds with his sights firmly set on breaking into the UFC’s top 15 rankings. For him, a win over a name as established as Pitbull would represent an almost immediate breakthrough moment on the global stage. The stylistic contrast between Pitbull’s experience and Keita’s youthful energy makes this one of the night’s most unpredictable showdowns.
The Stakes of UFC Paris
The UFC’s return to Paris is not just about delivering thrilling matchups—it’s about solidifying the city’s place as a hub for MMA in Europe. Every year, the French crowd has shown its passion and intensity, making the Accor Arena one of the loudest venues on the circuit. Fighters like Imavov and Saint-Denis have become flag bearers for the French MMA scene, while international stars like Borralho, Pitbull, and Craig add to the global flavor of the card.
For the UFC, this event offers more than rankings implications. It is about building narratives, shaping title pictures, and cementing the reputation of Paris as a must-visit stop on the fight calendar.
What to Expect Fight Night
Fight week has already brought plenty of anticipation, with promos, interviews, and training footage fueling excitement. Donagh Corby of Bloody Elbow summed it up best when he wrote: “What a promo from Nassourdine Imavov.” Fans in Paris have embraced the narrative of their homegrown star stepping into a career-defining fight, and that storyline will come to life when the cage doors close.
From Imavov’s potential title run to Borralho’s hungry rise, Saint-Denis’ relentless war style, Craig’s wild card unpredictability, and Keita’s bold attempt to burst into the rankings, UFC Paris 2025 has all the makings of an unforgettable night.
