Caio Borralho lived up to his nickname 'Nerd' by revealing a thorough study of his opponent. The Brazilian, who beat Reinier de Ridder by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) at UFC 326 , this past Saturday (7), in Las Vegas (USA), explained how the unusual strategy with his hands helped him emerge victorious from the fight.
In a post-fight interview with ESPN journalist Brett Okamoto, Borralho said that the lower-handed style was an adaptation specifically designed to neutralize his opponent's takedown game. The Brazilian knew that the Dutchman would have difficulty finding openings to take him down, as the lowered hands would help him defend against takedown attempts.
“It was because he attempts a lot of takedowns. When you lower your stance a bit more and keep your hands low, it makes your opponent constantly hesitant. It becomes more difficult for him to find space to take you down because he knows your hands are there to defend the takedown. It was a good adaptation for this opponent, but I think in some of my next fights I'll also use a bit of this style,” said Borralho.
Backstage interview with Caio Borralho at UFC 326 https://t.co/ClrRVTlPNx
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) March 8, 2026
See too
Check out the results of UFC 326
MAIN CARD
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Charles do Bronx defeated Max Holloway by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) and won the BMF belt.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Caio Borralho defeated Reinier de Ridder by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Raul Rosas Jr. defeated Rob Font by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Drew Dober defeated Michael Johnson by knockout (punch) at 2:36 of round 2.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Gregory Rodrigues defeated Brunno Hulk by knockout (punch) at 1:47 of round 1.
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Cody Garbrandt defeated Xiao Long by unanimous decision (28-27, 28-27, 28-27)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Donte Johnson defeated Cody Brundage by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Alberto Montes defeated Ricky Turcios by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 40 seconds of round 2.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Nyamjargal Tumendemberel defeated Cody Durden by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Su Mudaerji defeated Jesus Aguilar by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Diyar Nurgozhay defeated Rafael Tobias by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Light Heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Rodolfo Bellato defeated Luke Fernandez by technical knockout (punches) at 2:42 of Round 1.
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