5 Defining Moments: Nassourdine Imavov

Nassourdine Imavov stands but a few steps from title contention in the Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight division.

The well-regarded 6-foot-3 Nicolas Ott protégé will look to boost his stock further when he takes on Brendan Allen in the UFC Fight Night 243 co-headliner on Sept. 28 at Accor Arena in France. Imavov, 29, has compiled a 6-2 record with one no contest over his nine appearances inside the Octagon. He boasts 10 finishes among his 14 career victories, seven of them inside one round.

As Imavov makes final preparations in advance of his showdown with Allen at 185 pounds, a look at five of the many moments that have come to define him:

1. Doozy of a First Step

Imavov was 20…