The UFC middleweight division has a new contender in Caio Borralho, who secured a decisive victory against Jared Cannonier in a Fight Night main event. The bout demonstrated the 31-year-old's prowess and potential in the Octagon, cementing his status among the elite in his weight class.
A Clash of Styles
The match was a showcase of contrasting styles. Borralho, known for his exceptional footwork and diverse array of striking techniques, faced off against the seasoned Jared Cannonier, who, at 40, relied heavily on his powerful boxing and stance switches. From the opening bell, Borralho's strategy was evident as he kept Cannonier off balance with well-timed leg kicks in the first round.
Despite being on the defensive early on, Cannonier found his moment in the second round, wobbling Borralho with a solid combination. Yet, Borralho's resilience shone through as he delivered a staggering blow to Cannonier in the third round, showcasing his ability to adapt and counter effectively.
An Unyielding Contest
The intensity of the fight did not wane as it progressed into the later rounds. Borralho landed more strikes in the fourth round, but Cannonier demonstrated his toughness by opening a deep gash under Borralho's right eye, drawing gasps from the crowd. Notably, Borralho floored Cannonier with a punch against the fence, but the veteran fighter endured the barrage and continued to battle on.
In the final round, Borralho attempted a Von Flue choke, although it did not result in a submission. The fight ultimately went the distance, with the judges rendering a unanimous decision in favor of Borralho with scores of 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46. This victory improved Borralho’s record to an impressive 17-1 with 1 no-contest, extending his undefeated streak to 17 fights.
A Promising Future
Caio Borralho entered this bout as the UFC's No. 12 ranked middleweight, but his performance suggests that a climb up the rankings is imminent. In his post-fight interview with UFC commentator Michael Bisping, Borralho stated, "I'm the new face, even with some scratches. Everyone who sees these glasses should be afraid." His confidence and determination were palpable.
Borralho also made his intentions clear regarding his next opponent. "You know who I want next. I've called you out two times already. You've already beat Sean [Strickland]. You've already beat [Israel] Adesanya. You already beat all these guys. So Dricus du Plessis, get your ass over here or in South Africa. I'm coming for you, boy!" he exclaimed, setting the stage for a potentially electrifying matchup.
A Setback for Cannonier
The bout marked consecutive losses for Jared Cannonier, a first since his move to the middleweight division in 2018. His record now stands at 17-8, and while this defeat was a setback, Cannonier's resilience and experience ensure he remains a formidable presence in the division. The powerful boxer demonstrated his capability to challenge top-tier opponents, and his future endeavors in the Octagon will be closely watched.
As Borralho revels in his hard-earned victory and eyes future opponents, the middleweight division braces for what promises to be an exciting new chapter. The dynamic and skillful Borralho is undoubtedly a contender to watch, and his career trajectory will be followed with great interest by fans and analysts alike.