Paulo borrachinha is a standout in the UFC middleweight division. Photo: Reproduction/UFCBrasil
Paulo borrachinha His future may be set for him to compete for the Ultimate belt. The Brazilian made his debut at UFC 327 and... knocked out Azamat Murzakanov right in his debut in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg). The dominant performance, coupled with the injury suffered by the champion. Carlos Ulberg In the main event, it could put him directly in contention for the title in his weight class.
It's FREE: Receive the day's top news on WhatsApp.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Borrachinha indicated that the division can no longer wait for a decision and revealed that he had spoken with Ulberg, who will need surgery and will be sidelined. Given this scenario, the Brazilian positioned himself as next in line to fight for the belt.
See too
“This division can’t wait any longer. I spoke to Ulberg in the lobby yesterday, he told me he needed surgery. He’s out. I don’t know if he should give up… I just think I’m next to fight,” he said. Paulo borrachinha.
Sports doctor explains Carlos Ulberg's injury.
According to sports physician and content creator Brian Sutterer, Ulberg's injury is consistent with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The specialist explained that the forward movement of the tibia at the moment of the twist, followed by the abrupt return of the bone, evidenced by the calf muscle's undulation, is a classic indication of this type of injury.
"The tibia shifts forward when the ACL is torn, then the calf rippling is when the tibia shifts back," wrote Brian Sutterer.
Tibia shifts forward from ACL being torn, then the calf rippling is when the tibia shifts back https://t.co/mC3KXMS02Q pic.twitter.com/MsfjbZ6peJ
— Brian Sutterer MD (@BrianSuttererMD) April 12, 2026
What is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear?
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most frequent orthopedic injuries, especially among athletes. Responsible for stabilizing the knee, the ligament prevents excessive displacement of the tibia relative to the femur and helps control the rotational movements of the joint.
In most cases, the injury occurs without direct contact, being caused by sudden movements, such as abrupt changes of direction with the foot fixed on the ground, rapid decelerations, improper landings after jumps, or even hyperextension of the knee. At the moment of rupture, it is common to hear a popping sound, followed by intense pain, rapid swelling, and a feeling of instability, as if the knee were giving way.
Treatment varies according to the severity and the patient's profile: it can be conservative, with physiotherapy focused on muscle strengthening, or surgical, indicated mainly for athletes, with ligament reconstruction through grafting. Complete recovery, in surgical cases, can take between nine and twelve months.
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.
Read More about: Carlos Ulberg, Paulo borrachinha, UFC 327
You need login To comment.