Despite the Domi Reversi failure in this chapter, I still think Imu will manage to control Loki and pit him against Luffy. The arc generally seems to be building toward such an event.
While under Imu's control, Loki will taunt Luffy about Shanks, a topic Luffy has been noticeably sensitive about throughout the arc.
Luffy will overcome a stronger version of Loki than Shanks did, albeit with help from his crew (which might also have been the case for Shanks).
This also ensures Imu avoids a direct L. He'll place his trust in the controlled and boosted Loki, believing no one could defeat him, while he returns to oversee the Mary Geoise situation. This might be the only time we get another collective Straw Hats group vs. an enemy, since they're becoming too strong: Franky has received a power-up, Chopper's fruit could awaken, and the groundwork has already been laid for Zoro and Sanji's growth.