The UFC middleweight division has been set abuzz with the rise of a formidable new contender, Caio Borralho. In an electrifying UFC Fight Night main event, the 31-year-old Brazilian showcased his prowess by defeating the seasoned veteran Jared Cannonier, age 40, through a unanimous decision.
A Battle of Techniques
The bout presented a fascinating clash of styles. Caio Borralho, known for his exceptional footwork and diverse array of striking techniques, kept Cannonier off balance, particularly with his leg kicks in the first round. Cannonier, meanwhile, relied heavily on his powerful boxing and frequent stance switches, looking to leverage his experience and raw power.
The fight's dynamics shifted dramatically through each round. In the second round, Cannonier managed to wobble Borralho with a powerful combination, momentarily altering the momentum. However, Borralho demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen, delivering a staggering blow to Cannonier in the third round that underscored his striking capabilities.
Clash of Endurance
As the fight progressed, Borralho began to land more strikes, affording him a greater control of the bout. However, the fourth round brought about its most intense moments, with Cannonier opening a deep gash under Borralho's right eye, a testament to the brutal and unforgiving nature of the sport.
Despite the injury, Borralho floored Cannonier with a powerful punch against the fence. Admirably, Cannonier endured the barrage following the knockdown, refusing to yield. These exchanges highlighted the sheer endurance and fighting spirit of both competitors as the bout pressed onward into the fifth and final round.
In the climax of the fight, Borralho attempted a Von Flue choke, showcasing his grappling repertoire, but the match ultimately went the distance. The judges scored the intense bout in Borralho's favor with a unanimous decision reflected in scores of 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46.
Undefeated Streak Continues
With this victory, Caio Borralho's record impressively improved to 17-1 with 1 no-contest. This win solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC middleweight division, extending his undefeated streak to 17 fights. Entering the bout as the UFC's No. 12 ranked middleweight, Borralho has now firmly established himself as a top contender.
On the other hand, Jared Cannonier, whose record now stands at 17-8, faces consecutive losses for the first time since his move to the middleweight division in 2018. The resilience he displayed, despite the loss, cements his reputation as a relentless and tenacious fighter.
Eyes on the Future
In his post-fight interview with UFC commentator Michael Bisping, Borralho didn't hold back his confidence and intentions. "I'm the new face, even with some scratches. Everyone who sees these glasses should be afraid," Borralho declared, capturing the attention of fight fans and potential opponents alike.
He went on to issue a direct challenge, showcasing his ambition and desire to climb the ranks swiftly. "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 it clear that he has his sights set on Dricus du Plessis.
This declaration points to an intriguing future matchup and sets the stage for what could be a pivotal bout in the middleweight division. Borralho's rise adds a compelling narrative to the middleweight division, enhancing the anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead in his promising career.