The UFC middleweight division has seen a new contender rise to prominence, as Caio Borralho asserted his dominance with an impressive victory over Jared Cannonier in a memorable Fight Night main event. The bout, which featured the 31-year-old Borralho and the 40-year-old Cannonier, showcased a fascinating clash of styles and strategies.
Borralho, known for his exceptional footwork and versatile striking techniques, managed to keep Cannonier, who relied heavily on his powerful boxing and stance switches, off balance right from the start. The first round saw Borralho effectively using leg kicks, which disrupted Cannonier's rhythm and established an early advantage.
Despite Borralho's initial success, Cannonier demonstrated his resilience in the second round, unsettling Borralho with a well-timed combination that left the younger fighter momentarily wobbled. However, Borralho regained his composure and continued to execute his game plan effectively.
The third round was a turning point for Borralho, as he delivered a staggering blow that visibly impacted Cannonier. Borralho's momentum carried into the fourth round, where he landed a higher volume of strikes. Cannonier, not one to back down easily, managed to open a deep gash under Borralho's right eye, injecting new life into the contest.
Final Rounds and Decision
In the closing rounds, Borralho showcased his tenacity and grappling skills by attempting a Von Flue choke in the final round. Although the fight went the distance, it was clear that Borralho had done enough to secure the victory. The judges rendered a unanimous decision in favor of Borralho with scores of 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46.
This victory improves Caio Borralho's record to an impressive 17-1 with one no-contest, extending his unbeaten streak to 17 fights. Entering the bout as the UFC's No. 12 ranked middleweight, Borralho's stellar performance has undoubtedly moved him closer to title contention.
Post-Fight Remarks and Callout
In his post-fight interview with UFC commentator Michael Bisping, Borralho exuded confidence. "I'm the new face, even with some scratches. Everyone who sees these glasses should be afraid," he declared, hinting at his rising status in the division.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Borralho immediately set his sights on his next challenge. "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!" exclaimed Borralho, making it clear that he is eager to test himself against the division's best.
Implications for Both Fighters
For Jared Cannonier, the loss is a significant setback. His record now stands at 17-8, and he faces consecutive defeats for the first time since moving to the middleweight division in 2018. Cannonier's toughness and ability to endure a barrage of attacks after being floored in the fourth round were commendable, but he will need to regroup and strategize for his next bout to avoid further decline in rankings.
As Caio Borralho’s star ascends, the UFC middleweight division must now take notice of a fighter who combines skill, tenacity, and a hunger for greatness. With 17 consecutive fights without a loss, Borralho’s trajectory is unmistakably upward, and his ambition to face top contenders like Dricus du Plessis sets the stage for highly anticipated future matchups.
Whether he can maintain this momentum and eventually capture the middleweight title remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Caio Borralho has arrived, and the division will not be the same.