Paulo Borrachinha reveals plan to 'save' division after UFC rejection.

Paulo Borrachinha during his training camp for UFC 327. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Paulo Borrachinha , it seems, is determined to convince the UFC that he can be the solution for the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg). After debuting with a victory in the category, the Brazilian has been tipped to fight for the belt in his next fight, but is still awaiting a decision from the organization regarding his future.

In a post on 'X', Borrachinha commented on the division's situation and highlighted that Valentina Shevchenko had her belt stripped due to an injury. The Brazilian also pointed out that Carlos Ulberg is sidelined due to physical problems and, according to his assessment, may only return in the second half of 2027.

"The UFC stripped Valentina of her title due to injury. Carlos Ulberg is also injured and may not fight again until the second half of 2027," wrote Borrachinha.

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Given the uncertainty surrounding the division, Borrachinha suggested that the UFC put an interim light heavyweight title up for grabs. The Brazilian offered himself for the task and stated that he could save the division, also revealing that the organization had rejected the possibility of creating the interim title.

“Put the interim light heavyweight title up for grabs and I WILL SAVE THE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION! The UFC REFUSED TO PUT THE INTERIM LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE UP FOR GRABS. Why? I don’t know,” concluded the Brazilian.

UFC stripped Valentina out From her Belt due to injury. Also Carlos Ulber is injured and MAYBE fights second semester 2027.

Put the LHW interim belt in line and I WILL COME TO SAVE THE LHW DIVISION!

UFC REFUSED TO PUT LWH INTERIM BELT IN LINE . Why? Idont know. https://t.co/dvuxG9L9lQ

— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) September 5, 2026

Paulo Borrachinha could compete for the UFC belt.

With champion Carlos Ulberg sidelined due to injury after tearing his ACL at UFC 327, and with no return date yet set, Paulo Borrachinha emerges as one of the top contenders to challenge for the interim light heavyweight title.

Coming off a devastating knockout victory over Azamat Murzakanov in his division debut, the fighter from Minas Gerais, Brazil, appears alongside Magomed Ankalaev and Navajo Stirling as one of the few top-tier athletes in the category who are coming off a win in their last fight.

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