Caio Borralho shows confidence and reveals which strategy he would use to beat Khamzat Chimaev

C. Borralho training with K. Chimaev. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter

The impressive Khamzat Chimaev's submission over Robert Whittaker No. UFC 308 raised doubts about who would be able to beat 'Lobo' in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). Given this, Caio Borralho believes he has the key to defeating the Chechen.

In an interview with 'Submission Radio', Borralho spoke about the correct strategy to beat Chimaev. In the Brazilian's opinion, it is necessary to be one step ahead of the 'Wolf' and recognize his attack patterns in order to defend his takedowns.

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“It’s not an easy task to beat Khamzat, because he’s very athletic, fast and very good at wrestling. So, the key to beating him is knowing how to defend his takedowns and understanding his patterns before he attacks. You need to know his patterns and how he prepares before he tries; and, if he grabs you, you need to know what his next steps are and what he wants you to do. That’s the key to beating Khamzat,” Borralho analyzed.

Although he admitted to being surprised at how quickly the fight ended, Caio said he was already expecting Khamzat to win over Whittaker in the UFC 308. The 'Fighting Nerds' athlete attributed the Australian's difficulty in the confrontation to the lack of training partners capable of simulating the Chechen's style and nominated himself as the fighter who can stop the 'Wolf', as he knows his moves, since they trained together.

“I don’t think Rob could have had any training partner who could emulate Khamzat. Maybe I was impressed by how fast it was, but I knew that from the beginning. To fight someone like Khamzat, you have to know what’s coming; you have to go through those situations. That’s something I’m ahead of all the fighters; I know how Khamzat works in his wrestling. I was with him for a month, so I had to deal with it every day. So I’m ahead of all the guys in the division on that,” Caio revealed.

Relationship between Caio Borralho and Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat is currently ranked number three in the middleweight division, while Borralho is ranked sixth. Although the Brazilian considers Chimaev a friend, he acknowledges that due to their close ranking and the scarcity of available opponents at the top of the division, a fight between them would be inevitable to reach the title.

“I’m like a friend of Khamzat, I’m good friends with his coach, Alan Finfou. He’s a guy that I always want the best for him. I know his family, all that. But at this level, I think we can fight each other. It’s not like it’s the fight I want, but maybe it’s a fight I need to go through, so I’ll be ready when the time comes.” Caio Borralho.

Undefeated in the UFC, Caio Borralho had to step into the octagon twice in 'Dana White's Contender Series' to secure his contract with the organization. Since then, the fighter has won seven fights and become the best Brazilian in the middleweight rankings.