The UFC middleweight division witnessed a significant shake-up as Caio Borralho emerged as a new contender, compellingly defeating Jared Cannonier in a Fight Night main event. The bout, held between the 31-year-old Borralho and the 40-year-old Cannonier, showcased a mix of youth, skill, and strategic mastery.
A Display of Mastery
From the onset, Caio Borralho displayed exceptional footwork and a diverse array of striking techniques. The first round saw Borralho keeping Cannonier off balance, meticulously targeting his opponent with precise leg kicks. These early strikes set the tone for the rest of the fight, forcing Cannonier to constantly adjust.
Cannonier, known for his powerful boxing and effective stance switches, tried to mount a counter-offensive. The second round provided a moment of hope for Cannonier, as he connected with a combination that wobbled Borralho. However, Borralho’s resilience was evident as he quickly recovered and continued to push the pace.
Turning Points
The third round was pivotal. Borralho delivered a staggering blow, a punch that echoed through the arena and visibly rocked Cannonier. From that point onwards, Borralho began to dictate the terms of the fight. The fourth round saw him landing more strikes and maintaining control, although Cannonier managed to land a powerful shot that opened a deep gash under Borralho's right eye, a reminder of his enduring threat.
Borralho’s momentum culminated in flooring Cannonier with a punch against the fence, a dramatic moment that seemed to spell the end for his opponent. Yet, in a display of warrior spirit, Cannonier endured the barrage and continued to fight on.
A Battle to the End
As the fight moved into the final round, Borralho attempted a Von Flue choke, showcasing his grappling skills in addition to his striking prowess. Despite the submission attempt, Cannonier held on, and the bout ultimately went the distance.
The judges rendered a unanimous decision in favor of Borralho, scoring the fight 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46. This decisive victory improved Borralho's record to 17-1 with 1 no-contest, marking him undefeated in his last 17 fights.
Post-Fight Proclamation
In his post-fight interview with UFC commentator Michael Bisping, Borralho declared, "I'm the new face, even with some scratches. Everyone who sees these glasses should be afraid." His confidence was palpable, underscoring his readiness to face the division’s elite.
Calling Out the Contender
Borralho was not content with the victory alone; he 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!" Borralho exclaimed, unequivocally stating his intention to climb the ranks swiftly.
Jared Cannonier, whose record now stands at 17-8, faced consecutive losses for the first time since moving to the middleweight division in 2018. Despite the setback, his performance reinforced his role as a gatekeeper within the division, serving as a formidable challenge for any rising star.
With this win, Borralho has positioned himself as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC middleweight division. Entering the bout ranked as the UFC's No. 12 middleweight, his path now seems clear as he eyes the top contenders. Whether his callout is answered or not, Caio Borralho's journey in the UFC is one to watch keenly.