It seems that Caio Borralho has his next UFC fight well on track. It's true that the Brazilian, who last fought in March in Las Vegas (USA) and won against Reinier de Ridder by unanimous decision, hasn't officially confirmed a new fight yet, but not only has he clashed with Khamzat Chimaev , but the two have also reached a verbal agreement.
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In an interview with the channel 'Laerte Viana na área', Borralho , always sincere, admitted that he was surprised by the challenge made by the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) and even more so by his 'yes' to the fight between them. It all started when Chimaev, with a 'hunger for a fight', mentioned Sean Strickland , Dricus du Plessis , Nassourdine Imavov and the Brazilian as potential opponents.
Next, 'The Natural' agreed to face 'Borz' and suggested the duel take place in November or December. Without wasting any time, Khamzat accepted the Brazilian's proposal. And Caio's shock at how easily he got the Russian's approval is understandable. Previously, the athletes had stated that they would only fight if it was for the belt, as they trained together in Sweden and have a good relationship.
“I was surprised by that. Because I thought he wanted to come back for the belt right away, but I think the UFC said he has to win one more fight, something like that. So, he kind of started shooting in all directions and put my name last. I think it was a response from the UFC itself that there won't be a rematch now, he has one fight, wins, and then we'll give him a rematch. Probably, I think that's what happened.”
“I’m not sure, nobody told me that or anything, but knowing how the company works, I think it was something along those lines. But not because they didn’t want him for the title, I think it’s much more because Imavov has been waiting in line for a long time. The UFC wasn’t going to do that to Imavov. I think they already did it last time. He already deserved it.”
“He and Strickland will probably face each other in December, because that was the date I heard Strickland would be cleared to return to fighting. So, I think it was more of a response from the UFC to Chimaev, like, 'No, he's next in line. Either you wait or you fight.' I think they actually even said, 'You have to fight, win, and then we'll put you back in the ring,'” he concluded.
Khamzat Chimaev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC
Caio Borralho's history in MMA.
Caio Borralho , 33, is one of the best fighters at the 'Fighting Nerds' academy and one of Brazil's top MMA fighters. He began his career in the sport in 2014 and debuted in the UFC in 2022. Currently, 'The Natural' is ranked sixth in the middleweight division. In the sport, he has a record of 18 wins, two losses, and one 'no contest' (no result). His main victories include fights against Abus Magomedov , Jared Cannonier , Paul Craig , and Reinier de Ridder.
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