The UFC middleweight division saw the emergence of a commanding new presence as Caio Borralho decisively defeated Jared Cannonier in a Fight Night main event, showcasing both skill and resilience.
A Clash of Styles
The bout, featuring the 31-year-old Borralho against the 40-year-old Cannonier, was a testament to contrasting fighting styles. Borralho impressed with his exceptional footwork and a diverse array of striking techniques, while Cannonier relied on his powerful boxing and stance switches to try and find an opening. The first round saw Borralho keeping Cannonier off balance with a series of effective leg kicks.
Despite Borralho’s early success, Cannonier proved his mettle in the second round, wobbling Borralho with a well-placed combination. However, Borralho showcased his resilience, bouncing back to deliver a staggering blow to Cannonier in the third round.
The Turning Point
The momentum shifted as the fight progressed into the later rounds. Borralho landed more strikes in the fourth round, although Cannonier managed to open a deep gash under Borralho’s right eye. This only seemed to fuel Borralho’s determination, and he responded by flooring Cannonier with a punch against the fence. Cannonier, showing his tough-as-nails nature, endured the barrage even after the knockdown, refusing to yield.
The final round saw Borralho attempting a Von Flue choke, a rare submission, which added another layer of complexity to his striking prowess. Though the fight ultimately went the distance, Borralho's versatile approach and relentless pressure were enough to earn a unanimous decision from the judges with scores of 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46.
A Rising Star
This victory marks a significant milestone in Caio Borralho’s career. His record now stands at an impressive 17-1 with 1 no-contest, and he remains undefeated in his last 17 fights. Entering the bout as the UFC's No. 12 ranked middleweight, Borralho has undoubtedly made a strong case for climbing higher in the rankings.
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 evident as he issued a direct challenge, calling out top contenders in the division. "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!"
Challenges for Cannonier
On the other side of the octagon, Jared Cannonier’s record now drops to 17-8. This defeat marks consecutive losses for him for the first time since moving to the middleweight division in 2018. Despite his age and recent setbacks, Cannonier's grit and resilience continue to make him a formidable opponent.
As the UFC middleweight division reshuffles in the wake of this fight, all eyes will be on Caio Borralho. With his dynamic skill set and unwavering confidence, Borralho is poised to become a key figure in the division, adding new excitement and intrigue for fans and fighters alike.