Brazilian star in the UFC middleweight (up to 83,9kg), Paulo borrachinha He continues to try to make his debut in the Octagon for the 2022 season. Ready and active in training, the Brazilian is not satisfied with the lack of opponents and has not spared his category teammates criticism. In an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, the miner vented about the situation.
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Former challenger for the belt in the under-83,9kg category, Borrachinha has not performed since October 2021. On that occasion, the Brazilian staged a true battle in the Octagon, but ended up being defeated by Marvin vettori, in the judges' decision.
Where are the rivals?
Eager to make his first commitment of the year, Borrachinha does not hide his anger at the lack of opponents. Current number four in the ranking, the athlete took shots at representatives of the top 5 in the group, criticizing names like Derek Brunson e Sean Strickland.
“I am fully available to fight my fights. What's making it difficult are the opponents. I tried two opponents, the Sean Strickland and the Derek Brunson. The guys are shameful. It's shameful to see their attitude. (…) Derek Brunson He said I'm a heavyweight and I don't have to fight middleweights. He's lame on a level I've never seen before. I already knew it was, but not at this level. (…) He only wants to fight me when I have a fight scheduled. (…) It’s a soft ass and the Sean Strickland too,” he said.
No light heavyweight
With no top 5 opponents available or willing to face him, Borrachinha is categorical about a possible test in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg.). In the elite division up to 83,9kg, the Minas Gerais native rules out changing categories, even for a single performance.
“There is no (possibility). Zero (chances). I'm going to fight at middleweight. I've been dieting for two months, no wonder. It's a huge sacrifice. Do you know what it's like to live with 5% fat weighing 97kg? I can't eat anything fried. I diet to lose 84kg. (…) I need two months to lose weight. I'm already on a diet, training, at the weight I should be, thinking about fighting in a month and a half. The only thing missing is the opponent”, he concluded.
Athlete's history
Brazilian promise at middleweight, Borrachinha has 15 appearances in MMA. Professional since 2012, the 30-year-old from Minas Gerais has 13 wins and two stumbles.
The fighter competed for the middleweight title in 2020. On that occasion, the fighter ended up being defeated by the champion Israel adesanya and lost his unbeaten record in his career in the sport.
