No Ankalaev! MMA legend praises and affirms that Borrachinha should fight for the UFC's undisputed title.

Borrachinha promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Apparently, Paulo Borrachinha isn't only in good standing with Dana White and the UFC's top brass. In April, in Florida (USA), the Brazilian knocked out Azamat Murzakanov in the third round, solidifying his place in the top 5 of the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg) and thus entering the race to compete for the belt. And, according to Kenny Florian , former fighter and current commentator, the athlete plays an extremely important role in the prestigious division.

In his podcast ' The Anik & Florian', the veteran criticized the current state of the division and implied that Borrachinha is a kind of 'savior', as he represents fresh blood, especially at the top of the rankings. Therefore, Florian defends the idea that the Brazilian should be chosen to fight for the undisputed title when Carlos Ulberg recovers from the serious leg injury he suffered in April.

Currently, according to Dana White himself, the Brazilian is slated to fight for the interim light heavyweight title , since the champion is not expected to return to action until 2027. In this potential fight, Borrachinha could face Magomed Ankalaev . In any case, the veteran believes that the bad boy has everything it takes to leave the Russian behind, being a showman both inside and outside the octagon.

“ I would choose Paulo . That’s exactly what the division needs . The UFC needs a name, something exciting. I don’t care about this division. I wish I did, but I don’t,” said the veteran.

“I need someone like Paulo, who plays the right role, who is hilarious on social media, but who, when he fights, goes all out, seeks the knockout, and makes everything he throws look spectacular. He is a tremendous athlete, knows how to excite the crowd, and when he's in his element, he will be difficult to beat .”

“I think he can steal that spot. Yes, I think Ankalaev probably deserves it, based on what he’s done, but we know this is a business and the UFC is looking for guys who are going to put on a show. And Paulo is that guy,” he concluded.

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Florian's Fighters in MMA

Kenny Florian , 50, is an MMA legend. The American began his career in the sport in 2003 and had his last fight in 2011. In his career, 'KenFlo' was a finalist on TUF 1, fought for the featherweight title (up to 65,8 kg), and twice for the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg).

In this style of fighting, Florian built a record of 14 wins, 12 by stoppage (eight by submission and four by knockout), and six losses. His main victories were over Clay Guida , Joe Lauzon , and Takanori Gomi.

Florian at a UFC event. Photo: Getty Images/Mitch Viquez/Zuffa LLC

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