Paulo Borrachinha makes a comeback and could win the UFC title in his next fight; find out why.

Paulo borrachinha tries to get back to winning ways in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Paulo borrachinha He experienced a major turning point in his career at UFC 327, held last Saturday (11). The Brazilian faced Azamat Murzakanov in the co-main event fight and knocked out He defeated his rival with a beautiful high kick. The result, combined with the outcome of the main fight on the card, could put the fighter from Minas Gerais in a privileged position for a title shot in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg).

Paulo Borrachinha experiences a historic career turnaround at UFC 327.

Borrachinha in victory over Kopylov at UFC 318 (Photo: Instagram)

In the middle of the 2025 season, when he was still competing as a middleweight (up to 83,9kg), Borrachinha was at risk of being fired after two consecutive losses. The victory over Roman KopylovIn June, he secured a reprieve in the organization, but the real turning point began when he decided to move up a weight class and accept a fight against the then undefeated [opponent's name]. Azamat Murzakanov right in his debut in the division.

After putting up a war against the Russian in the initial rounds, Borrachinha landed a high kick that knocked his opponent down and sealed the victory by knockout. With this positive result, the Brazilian should move up to fifth place in the rankings in the next update, getting very close to a title shot in his next fight.

Carlos Ulberg's injury impacts the division's landscape and helps Paulo Borrachinha.

Carlos Ulberg in victory in UFC Perth. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

The main driving factor Paulo borrachinha A fight for the light heavyweight title is the outcome of the main event of UFC 327, starring... Carlos Ulberg e Jiri ProchazkaWhere the New Zealander suffered a knee injury before brutally knocking out his rival.

There is still no official confirmation, but sports medicine analysts indicate that the problem may be a rupture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), one of the most serious knee injuries. Recovery time usually ranges from 9 to 12 months, a scenario that could force the UFC to create an interim belt or even strip Ulberg of his title until he is fit to return.

With Ulberg out of action, Paulo borrachinha He emerges as one of the main contenders for the belt. This is because, compared to Magomed Ankalayev, Khalil rountree, Jan Blachowicz and himself Jiri ProchazkaThe Brazilian is likely to be the only athlete in the top 5 coming off a recent victory.

Possible rivals for the title race.

Magomed Ankalayev is the new UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

To face Borrachinha in a possible fight for the light heavyweight belt, one of the most talked-about names is... Magomed AnkalayevEven coming off a loss, the Russian possesses relevant credentials, including the fact that he is a former champion and has won... Alex Poatán, before being knocked out by the Pataxó in the rematch.

Another possibility is the middleweight champion, Khamzat ShimaevThe fighter maintains a rivalry with Borrachinha and has already expressed interest in moving up a weight class. However, before considering relinquishing the belt and migrating to light heavyweight, the Chechen Wolf needs to win. Sean Strickland, opponent in the main fight of UFC 328, scheduled for May 9rd.