UFC Fight Night Paris: Imavov vs Borralho predictions & tips

The UFC returns to Accor Arena in Paris with a stacked card on Saturday, headlined by a pivotal middleweight showdown between hometown hero Nassourdine Imavov and surging Brazilian Caio Borralho. Both men are looking to position themselves as next in line for a shot at champion Khamzat Chimaev.

The co–main event features France’s Benoit Saint-Denis trying to hold off explosive striker Mauricio Ruffy in a high-risk lightweight bout, while Paul Craig returns to light heavyweight against the in-form Modestas Bukauskas.

Elsewhere on the main card, former Cage Warriors champ Mason Jones meets Belgium’s Bolaji Oki, rising Irish welterweight Rhys McKee looks to build momentum, and legend Patricio Pitbull tests newcomer Losene Keita in a fascinating featherweight opener.

Here’s our full UFC Paris fight night breakdown and best bets to place with top sports betting sites:

UFC Paris main card betting preview

Nassourdine Imavov vs Caio Borralho

Nassourdine Imavov (16-4) enters on a four-fight win streak and earned a career-best win by finishing Israel Adesanya earlier this year. Fighting in Paris should energize him, but Imavov has struggled with consistent output and fast starters.

Caio Borralho (17-1) hasn’t lost since joining the UFC, blending high-level grappling and improved striking into a dominant seven-fight run. The Fighting Nerds standout controlled Jared Cannonier over five rounds in his last outing, showcasing patience, fight IQ, and cardio that could be the key to a title run.

Borralho’s ability to mix levels, bank control time, and avoid damage should see him pull away late.

Benoit Saint-Denis vs Mauricio Ruffy

Benoit Saint-Denis (14-3) bounced back from back-to-back brutal losses, but the damage may be catching up. His striking defense is porous, and he absorbs a concerning amount of clean shots — a recipe for disaster against someone as sharp and accurate as his next opponent.

Mauricio Ruffy (12-1) has quietly become one of the most dangerous strikers at 155lbs. A spinning wheel-kick KO in March put him on the map, and his measured but violent approach fits the modern meta perfectly. Backed by the elite game-planning at Fighting Nerds, he enters with all the momentum.

Modestas Bukauskas vs Paul Craig

Modestas Bukauskas (18-6) is on a quiet heater, winning three straight and showing serious growth in his standup game. He’s fought with confidence, power, and timing — traits that will serve him well in this matchup.

Paul Craig (17-9-1) has always been dangerous off his back but remains one-dimensional and increasingly beatable. Without a takedown threat or standup improvements, his best path is a hail-mary submission — and Bukauskas is savvy enough to avoid it.

Expect the Lithuanian to keep it standing and punish Craig with power.

Bolaji Oki vs Mason Jones

Bolaji Oki (10-2) hasn’t quite hit expectations. While he throws volume, his defensive lapses and inconsistencies leave the door open. Against a high-output, well-rounded fighter, those gaps should be exposed.

Mason Jones (16-2) is back in the UFC and looked excellent in his return, mixing up striking and wrestling with pressure. He’s tough, durable, and willing to bite down when needed — but also smart enough to level change if things get wild.

Jones’ grind should win the judges over.

Axel Sola vs Rhys McKee

Axel Sola (10-0-1) heads into his UFC debut undefeated but largely untested. While athletic, he hasn’t faced the kind of competition his opponent has — and his defensive gaps were evident on the regional scene.

Rhys McKee (14-6-1) earned his first UFC win in April and looked sharp doing it. His striking is crisp, his volume high, and his experience against elite opponents like Khamzat Chimaev has clearly helped him evolve.

McKee’s output, composure, and accuracy should carry him to a road win.

Patricio Pitbull vs Losene Keita

Patricio Pitbull (37-8) is a legend, and his win over Dan Ige proved he’s still dangerous. But the Brazilian is aging, smaller at featherweight, and facing a hungry, fast, and violent up-and-comer.

Losene Keita (16-1) is a former double champ in OKTAGON and arrives with speed, explosiveness, and a big frame. He’s younger, fresher, and far more dynamic at this point in their careers.

Expect Pitbull to smother Keita and win the match through ground control.

UFC Paris prelim picks

William Gomis vs Robert Ruchala

Oumar Sy vs Brendson Ribeiro

Marcin Tybura vs Ante Delija

Harry Hardwick vs Kauê Fernandes

Sam Patterson vs Trey Waters

Brad Tavares vs Robert Bryczek

Andreas Gustafsson vs Rinat Fakhretdinov

Shauna Bannon vs Sam Hughes