The UFC middleweight division has a new name grabbing attention: Caio Borralho. In a thrilling Fight Night main event, Borralho put on a stellar performance to defeat Jared Cannonier. The bout, which saw Borralho, age 31, face off against the seasoned 40-year-old Cannonier, showcased Borralho's exceptional footwork and diverse striking techniques against Cannonier's powerful boxing and stance switches.
Early Rounds
Borralho quickly set the tone in the first round with a series of well-placed leg kicks, keeping Cannonier off balance. The bout's dynamic shifted multiple times, with each fighter displaying their strengths. In the second round, Cannonier landed a combination that wobbled Borralho, reminding everyone why he's been a formidable presence in the division.
Critical Moments
However, Borralho was not to be outdone. The third round saw him deliver a staggering blow to Cannonier, reaffirming his dominance in the octagon. As the fight progressed to the fourth round, Borralho maintained his strike advantage, though Cannonier managed to open a deep gash under Borralho's right eye, highlighting the relentless pace and intensity of the battle.
The decisive moment came when Borralho floored Cannonier with a powerful punch against the fence. Though Cannonier endured the barrage post-knockdown, Borralho's control and technical prowess were evident. In the final round, Borralho even attempted a Von Flue choke, demonstrating his versatility and submission skills, but the fight ultimately went the distance.
The Verdict
The judges rendered a unanimous decision, favoring Borralho with scores of 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46. This victory not only improved Borralho's record to an impressive 17-1 with 1 no-contest but also extended his undefeated streak to 17 fights. "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, exuding confidence after his dominating performance.
Future Aspirations
Borralho, previously ranked as the UFC's No. 12 middleweight, signaled his intentions for the future in no uncertain terms. In a fiery post-fight callout, he exclaimed, "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!"
Cannonier's Stand
For Cannonier, this fight marked a significant setback. With a record of 17-8, he now faces consecutive losses for the first time since moving to the middleweight division in 2018. While he showcased his resilience and power, the result underscored the emergence of a new contender in the division who is eager to take on top-tier opponents and ascend the ranks.
Borralho's victory not only cements his place as a serious contender in the middleweight division but also adds a new layer of excitement and competition. Fans and fighters alike will be keenly watching what steps he takes next as he continues his ascent in the UFC.