The UFC middleweight division has gained an electrifying new contender in Caio Borralho. Borralho recently secured a significant victory against Jared Cannonier during a UFC Fight Night main event, solidifying his status among the elite fighters in the division.
A Clash of Styles
The bout featured a dynamic juxtaposition of fighting styles from the 31-year-old Borralho and the 40-year-old Cannonier. Borralho showcased exceptional footwork and an impressive array of striking techniques, keeping Cannonier off-balance throughout the fight. By contrast, Cannonier relied heavily on his powerful boxing and stance switches.
In the first round, Borralho effectively disrupted Cannonier's rhythm with a series of precise leg kicks, establishing his dominance early on. However, the tide momentarily turned in the second round when Cannonier wobbled Borralho with a powerful combination, demonstrating his enduring knockout power.
Momentum Shifts
Borralho showed resilience, counterattacking with a staggering blow to Cannonier in the third round, retaking control of the fight. As the battle intensified, Borralho continued to land more strikes in the fourth round, but not without consequence. Cannonier opened a deep gash under Borralho's right eye, a moment that signified the gritty nature of this high-stakes encounter.
The fourth round also saw Borralho send Cannonier to the canvas with a well-placed punch against the fence. Despite the knockdown, Cannonier's toughness allowed him to endure the barrage of attacks that followed.
Decisive Final Round
The fifth and final round featured Borralho's attempt at a Von Flue choke, but the fight ultimately went the distance. The judges rendered a unanimous decision in favor of Borralho, scoring the bout 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46. This victory significantly bolstered Borralho's record, which now stands at 17-1 with 1 no-contest.
Borrowing Confidence
Undefeated in his last 17 fights, Borralho entered the bout as the UFC's No. 12 ranked middleweight. His post-fight interview with UFC commentator Michael Bisping captured the fighter's confidence and ambition. "I'm the new face, even with some scratches. Everyone who sees these glasses should be afraid," Borralho declared, emphasizing his readiness to challenge the division's best.
Borralho didn't hesitate to call out a future opponent, setting his sights on Dricus du Plessis. "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!" Borralho exclaimed, adding a layer of intrigue to future matchups within the division.
A Tough Night for Cannonier
On the other side, Jared Cannonier, now with a record of 17-8, faced consecutive losses for the first time since moving to the middleweight division in 2018. Despite his formidable reputation and moments of brilliance during the bout, Cannonier was unable to turn the tide in his favor against Borralho's relentless offense.
This fight not only highlighted Borralho's skills and potential but also marked a pivotal moment in the UFC middleweight division. As Borralho continues his ascent, the landscape of the division looks poised for more exciting and high-stakes battles ahead.