The UFC middleweight division has officially welcomed a new contender. Caio Borralho, a Brazilian mixed martial artist, demonstrated his potential in a gripping Fight Night main event against veteran Jared Cannonier. The bout saw Borralho putting on an exceptional performance, solidifying his position among the elite fighters in the division.
At 31 years old, Borralho showcased remarkable agility and a diverse array of striking techniques, which kept the 40-year-old Cannonier on the defensive for much of the fight. Known for his powerful boxing and frequent stance switches, Cannonier had his moments, but could not match the younger fighter's versatility.
Early Rounds Set the Stage
In the initial round, Borralho employed strategic leg kicks that kept Cannonier off balance. This tactic paid dividends as Cannonier struggled to find his rhythm. However, the second round saw Cannonier making a significant comeback, landing a combination that wobbled Borralho and momentarily shifted the momentum.
Momentum Swings
The third round brought even more excitement as Borralho delivered a staggering blow that visibly hurt Cannonier. The exchange exemplified Borralho's superior striking arsenal. Moving into the fourth round, Borralho continued to land more strikes, but Cannonier, showing his veteran resilience, managed to open a deep gash under Borralho's right eye.
This injury didn't deter Borralho, though. He floored Cannonier with a powerful punch against the fence, but even then, Cannonier endured the barrage, refusing to go down easily. Borralho made an attempt to end the fight with a Von Flue choke in the final round, but Cannonier's grit saw the fight go the distance.
A Unanimous Decision
After five high-octane rounds, the judges rendered their verdict. Caio Borralho earned a unanimous decision victory with scores of 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46. His record improved remarkably to 17-1 with one no-contest, remaining undefeated in his last 17 fights. This victory propels him further into the spotlight, strengthening his claim as a rising star in the middleweight division.
Post-Fight Reactions
Following the fight, an exuberant Borralho expressed his determination and issued a bold challenge. "I'm the new face, even with some scratches. Everyone who sees these glasses should be afraid," Borralho declared in his post-fight interview with UFC commentator Michael Bisping. His confidence was palpable as he looked toward future battles.
Borralho didn't hold back in calling out his next potential opponent, adding to the drama of the evening. "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!" His challenge to du Plessis indicates his ambition to climb even higher in the ranks.
A Tough Time for Cannonier
On the other side of the octagon, Jared Cannonier, whose record now stands at 17-8, faces consecutive losses for the first time since moving to the middleweight division in 2018. Despite showing resilience and landing some significant blows, Cannonier couldn't turn the tide in his favor. At 40, questions loom about his future in an increasingly competitive division.
Caio Borralho's ascent continues as he breaks into the upper echelons of the UFC middleweight rankings. Entering the bout as the No. 12 ranked fighter, this victory might just secure him higher-profile matches and more significant opportunities. All eyes will be on Borralho to see if he can maintain the momentum and eventually challenge for the title.