MMA Preview: Jared Cannonier (17-6) vs Nassourdine Imavov (13-4)

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Dana White & Co. picked Jared Cannonier vs. Nassourdine Imavov to be the main event of UFC Kentucky for a reason. It’s bound to be a real banger! The reason is that both fighters are famous for throwing all they’ve got at their opponents.

They both hit hard and aren’t afraid to get hit, which explains why the Cannonier vs. Imavov odds are pretty close. Imavov is a slight favorite, but Cannonier must not be underestimated.

Jared Cannonier vs. Nassourdine Imavov Odds

MoneylineOdds
Jared Cannonier+105
Nassourdine Imavov-125

Odds courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday June 7, 2024

When, Where, and How to Watch?

Place: KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky

Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024

Time: ~10:00 p.m. ET

How to Watch: ESPN

Jared Cannonier is fourth in the UFC Middleweight Rankings, but the question is how long he will stay there. The thing is that he’s already 40 years of age, so he might not be able to continue fighting at such a top level for much longer.

This goes especially if he ends up losing to Imavov on June 8. However, if he wins, he’ll probably get a chance to fight a title eliminator fight in the near future. So, can he win at UFC Kentucky? 

Well, he’s got experience on his side. He’s 17-6 overall, with wins over such elite middleweights as the former champ Sean Strickland, Marvin Vettori, and others. He’s also fought Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker but lost by decision each time.

Striking is his strongest weapon, but he also has decent wrestling skills although he prefers to finish his opponents with punches.

Nassourdine Imavov is 11 years younger than his UFC Kentucky opponent. He’s 13-4 overall with 5 wins by KO/TKO, 4 by submission, and 4 by decision. All this shows that he’s a very well-rounded fighter.

When it comes to his losses, three happened by decision and one by submission. He also has one no contest in his portfolio, which came after an accidental clash of heads in the fight with Chris Curtis. One of his biggest advantages over Cannonier is that he’s significantly taller than him. He’s 6’3 while Cannonier is three inches shorter. However, somewhat surprisingly, Cannonier has a longer reach than him.

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Fight Editor
Profile: A seasoned combat‑sports analyst with a deep understanding of the tactical, technical, and promotional forces that shape modern MMA and boxing. This columnist delivers comprehensive coverage that blends fight‑film study, statistical insight, and industry context to break down matchups, rising contenders, and the evolving landscape of global combat sports. Background: With extensive experience covering major promotions, championship bouts, and regional circuits, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms focused on fighter development, coaching philosophies, and matchmaking strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term career trajectories across weight classes and organizations. Signature Coverage Areas: Fight previews and stylistic matchups Technical breakdowns of striking, grappling, and defensive systems Prospect scouting, rankings analysis, and divisional movement Promotional strategy, business trends, and event‑building dynamics Historical context, legacy discussions, and championship narratives Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex techniques, tactical adjustments, and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time fight fans and new followers of combat sports. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the discipline, strategy, and global reach of MMA and boxing.