The UFC middleweight division has a new contender on the rise, and his name is Caio Borralho. In a thrilling Fight Night main event, Borralho showcased his skills and determination by defeating Jared Cannonier, solidifying his position within the division. At 31, Borralho faced the seasoned Cannonier, who at 40, brought a wealth of experience and power to the octagon.
A Dynamic Battle Unfolds
The bout between Borralho and Cannonier was a testament to contrasting styles and strategies. Borralho, with his exceptional footwork and diverse array of striking techniques, managed to keep Cannonier off balance from the start. The first round saw Borralho effectively using leg kicks to disrupt Cannonier's rhythm.
However, Cannonier, known for his powerful boxing and stance switches, had his moments as well. In the second round, he managed to wobble Borralho with a well-executed combination, showing that the fight was far from one-sided.
Decisive Momentum Shifts
The turning point came in the third round when Borralho delivered a staggering blow to Cannonier, showcasing his striking prowess. The fourth round saw Borralho landing more strikes, but not without consequence. Cannonier opened a deep gash under Borralho's right eye, a testament to his resilience and power.
Borralho floored Cannonier with a punch against the fence, but Cannonier's endurance allowed him to endure the barrage that followed. In the final round, Borralho attempted a Von Flue choke, but the fight ultimately went the distance.
The Judges' Verdict
The judges' scores reflected Borralho's dominance, with unanimous decisions of 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46 in his favor. This victory improved Borralho's record to an impressive 17-1 with 1 no-contest. He is now undefeated in his last 17 fights, a streak that has catapulted him into the conversation among the division's elite.
"I'm the new face, even with some scratches. Everyone who sees these glasses should be afraid," declared Borralho in his post-fight interview with UFC commentator Michael Bisping, exuding confidence and a clear message to his potential future opponents.
Setting Sights on the Future
Not one to rest on his laurels, Borralho already has his sights set on his next challenge. "You know who I want next. I've called you out two times already. You've already beat Sean [Strickland]. You've already beat [Israel] Adesanya. You already beat all these guys. So Dricus du Plessis, get your ass over here or in South Africa. I'm coming for you, boy!" Borralho exclaimed in a bold post-fight callout, making it clear that his ambitions extend far beyond his latest victory.
A New Chapter for Cannonier
As for Jared Cannonier, his record now stands at 17-8, facing consecutive losses for the first time since moving to the middleweight division in 2018. Despite this setback, Cannonier's experience and tenacity ensure that he remains a formidable opponent for anyone in the division.
With this significant win, Caio Borralho's ascent in the UFC middleweight rankings is undeniable. Entering the bout as the UFC's No. 12 ranked middleweight, his latest performance is likely to see him climb higher, bringing new excitement and challenges to the division.