Khamzat Chimaev reacts to Paulo Borrachinha's 'shaking' and makes a request to his rival before UFC 318

Paulo borrachinha (right) and Khamzat Shimaev (left) are rivals in the UFC. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage

This Saturday (19), Paulo borrachinha has the chance to show that he still belongs among the UFC's middleweight elite (up to 83,9 kg). Winless since 2022, the Brazilian faces Roman Kopylov in the co-main event of UFC 318. If the pressure to win wasn't enough, the Minas Gerais native's return to the octagon gained a new level of drama due to an old rivalry.

In the days leading up to the duel against the Russian, Borrachinha made it clear that one of his motivations for the fight is the possibility of facing his old rival, Khamzat Shimaev, in the sequence. The animosity between the athletes is so great that the Brazilian even had a 'trembling' when asked about his rival during the press conference.

See too

Prochazka announces preparation for next fight and generates curiosity about opponent

UFC 318: Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway make weight and confirm fight for the BMF title

How to watch UFC 318, featuring Paulo Borrachinha, Patrício Pitbull, and three Brazilians. LIVE on TV and online.

The Chechen's response came through a comment on 'X' (formerly Twitter). Khamzat mocked the Brazilian's reaction and provoked him: he asked Borrachinha not to get emotional.

"Dude, what's wrong with you? Don't start crying, please," Chimaev wrote alongside laughing emojis.

Bro, what's going on with you?
Don't start to cry, please

— Khamzat Shimaev (@KChimaev) July 18, 2025

Borrachinha vs. Chimaev rivalry heats up ahead of UFC 318

At the press conference, Paulo borrachinha made it clear that the feelings he has for Chimaev are mutual. The Brazilian stated that, after the fight against Kopylov, he intends to send a direct message to the Chechen.

"Everyone knows that, we have a mutual hatred. After this fight, I'll send him a message, but until then, you'll have to wait," the Brazilian replied, rocking and rubbing his face.

Paulo Borrachinha's 'Tremedeira' catches the attention of fans

Borrachinha's strange behavior quickly became a topic of conversation on social media. Many fans began to question and debate what the Brazilian's strange behavior could mean.

Some people were amused by the matter, claiming that Borrachinha needed to go to the bathroom, while others raised the possibility that the tremors were the result of the harsh weight cut or even an anxiety attack on the Brazilian's part.

VIDEO: Watch Borrachinha's 'trembling' moment at UFC 318 press conference

UFC 318 technical sheet

Date: July 19, 2025

Open Hours: From 19pm (Brasília time)

Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE In real time, UFC Fight Pass (the entire card) online.

MAIN CARD (23pm Brasília time)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Max Holloway x Dustin poirier – fight for the BMF belt

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Paulo borrachinha x Roman Kopylov

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Kevin holland x Daniel Rodriguez

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Dan Ige x Patrick Pitbull

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Michael Johnson x Daniel Zellhuber

PRELIMINARY CARD (19pm Brasília time)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Kyler Phillips x Vinicius LokDog

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Marvin vettori x Brendan allen

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Francis Meadow x Nikolay Veretennikov

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Ateba Abega Gautier x Robert Valentine

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Adam Fugitt x Islam Dulatov

Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Jimmy crute x Marcin Prachnio

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Ryan spann x Lukasz Brzeski

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Bruno Hulk x Jackson McVey

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Carli Judice x Nicole Caliari