The UFC middleweight division has seen a significant shake-up with the emergence of a new contender, Caio Borralho. The 31-year-old fighter showcased his prowess by defeating Jared Cannonier in a thrilling Fight Night main event, making a bold statement as he continues his climb in the rankings.
A Battle of Contrasts
The bout was a classic clash of styles, featuring Borralho's exceptional footwork and diverse striking techniques against Cannonier's powerful boxing and stance switches. From the onset, Borralho kept the 40-year-old veteran off balance with well-placed leg kicks, disrupting Cannonier’s rhythm in the first round.
However, Cannonier proved his resilience in the second round, momentarily wobbling Borralho with a combination that showed the power he still possesses. The see-saw battle continued into the third round, where Borralho delivered a staggering blow that underscored his striking capabilities.
Pivotal Rounds
As the fight progressed, Borralho's confidence seemed to grow. He effectively landed more strikes in the fourth round but not without consequence. Cannonier inflicted a deep gash under Borralho's right eye, reminding everyone of his deadly precision. Despite this setback, Borralho remained composed and floored Cannonier with a punch against the fence in the later moments of the round.
The fifth and final round saw Borralho attempting a Von Flue choke, demonstrating his versatility and grappling skills. The fight ultimately went the distance, showcasing the endurance and determination of both fighters.
A Unanimous Decision
When the judges' scorecards were read, it was clear that Borralho had done enough to secure the victory. The scores of 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46 all unanimously favored Borralho. This victory not only improved his professional record to 17-1 with 1 no-contest, but also extended his undefeated streak to 17 fights, solidifying his status as a rising star in the middleweight division.
Jared Cannonier, who now holds a record of 17-8, faces an unfamiliar challenge as he deals with consecutive losses for the first time since his move to the middleweight division in 2018. The defeat was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport and the constant evolution of its competitors.
Post-Fight Remarks
In his post-fight interview, Borralho didn't shy away from making bold statements. "I'm the new face, even with some scratches. Everyone who sees these glasses should be afraid," he declared to UFC commentator Michael Bisping, epitomizing his confidence and readiness to take on the division's best.
Not stopping there, Borralho issued a direct challenge to fellow middleweight contender Dricus du Plessis. "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!" exclaimed Borralho, signaling his intention to climb further up the ranks.
As Borralho ascends in the UFC middleweight hierarchy, the division eagerly watches his next move. With such a commanding performance and confident attitude, Borralho has undoubtedly marked himself as a contender to watch in the coming months.