The UFC middleweight division has a new name making waves: Caio Borralho. The Brazilian star delivered a remarkable performance against Jared Cannonier in a Fight Night main event, securing a unanimous decision victory that left an indelible mark on his career and the division.
A Clash of Styles
The bout, featuring the 31-year-old Borralho and the 40-year-old Cannonier, showcased a fascinating clash of styles. Borralho utilized his exceptional footwork and diverse array of striking techniques to keep Cannonier at bay, while Cannonier leaned on his powerful boxing and frequent stance switches.
In the initial rounds, Borralho's leg kicks effectively disrupted Cannonier's rhythm. Cannonier, however, showed resilience and landed a combination that wobbled Borralho in the second round. The pendulum swung back in Borralho's favor during the third round when he delivered a staggering blow to Cannonier. The Brazilian continued to impress in the fourth round, landing more strikes, even as Cannonier opened a deep gash under Borralho's right eye.
A Battle of Heart and Skill
Borralho's ability to floor Cannonier with a punch against the fence highlighted his striking prowess. Cannonier, displaying immense durability, weathered the barrage that followed the knockdown. Borralho's attempt at a Von Flue choke in the final round underscored his versatility, but the bout went the distance, showcasing both fighters' immense heart and skill.
The judges rendered a unanimous decision in favor of Borralho with scores of 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46. This win improved Borralho's record to 17-1 with 1 no-contest, maintaining his undefeated streak for the last 17 fights. Entering the bout as the UFC's No. 12 ranked middleweight, Borralho proved he is ready for greater challenges ahead.
Post-Fight Remarks and Future Aspirations
Following the fight, Borralho's confidence was palpable. "I'm the new face, even with some scratches. Everyone who sees these glasses should be afraid," he declared in his post-fight interview with UFC commentator Michael Bisping. His post-fight callout left no doubt that he has his sights on bigger targets.
"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, making his intentions for future matchups crystal clear.
Cannonier's Setback
On the flip side, Jared Cannonier's record now stands at 17-8, marking his first consecutive losses since moving to the middleweight division in 2018. Despite enduring another setback, Cannonier demonstrated the kind of grit that has defined his career, and he remains a formidable presence in the division.
As the UFC middleweight division continues to evolve, Caio Borralho’s ascent is a storyline to watch. His recent victory over a seasoned competitor like Cannonier has cemented his status as a top contender, and fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how he fares against elite opponents in his quest for UFC gold.