The UFC middleweight division has a new rising star, as Caio Borralho delivers a career-defining performance with a decisive win over veteran fighter Jared Cannonier in a Fight Night main event.
Battle of Skills
The 31-year-old Brazilian showcased exceptional footwork and a diverse array of striking techniques that kept the 40-year-old Cannonier on the back foot for much of the fight. From the onset, it was clear that Borralho had a strategic edge. He effectively used leg kicks in the first round to keep Cannonier off balance, setting the stage for a tactically superior performance.
Cannonier, known for his powerful boxing and stance switches, did manage to land some significant shots. In the second round, he wobbled Borralho with a combination that briefly shifted the momentum. However, Borralho quickly regained his composure and continued to apply pressure with a mix of calculated aggression and technical precision.
Pivotal Moments
The third round saw Borralho deliver a staggering blow that further tilted the match in his favor. By the fourth round, his momentum was apparent as he outstruck Cannonier, pushing him to his limits. Despite a deep gash under Borralho's right eye opened by a powerful strike from Cannonier, the Brazilian fighter remained relentless.
One of the defining moments came when Borralho floored Cannonier with a punch against the fence. Although Cannonier endured the barrage and managed to survive the knockdown, it became clear that Borralho had the upper hand. The final round featured an attempted Von Flue choke by Borralho, but the fight ultimately went the distance.
Unanimous Decision
When the final bell rang, the judges rendered a unanimous decision in favor of 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 one no-contest, but it also cemented his status as a formidable contender, remaining undefeated in his last 17 fights.
Reflecting on his win, Borralho confidently stated, "I'm the new face, even with some scratches. Everyone who sees these glasses should be afraid." His bold declaration resonated with fans and fighters alike, signaling that he is a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division.
A Callout to Remember
In his post-fight interview with UFC commentator Michael Bisping, Borralho didn't shy away from calling out his next desired opponent. "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!"
As Borralho sets his sights on Dricus du Plessis, the middleweight division stands to witness some thrilling matchups. Meanwhile, Jared Cannonier’s record falls to 17-8, marking the first time he has faced consecutive losses since moving to the middleweight division in 2018. The veteran fighter now faces the challenge of rebuilding his standing in a competitive weight class.
Borralho's rise through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. Entering the bout as the UFC's No. 12 ranked middleweight, he has proven he can compete—and win—against some of the division’s toughest fighters. With his combination of skill, strategy, and determination, the future looks promising for Caio Borralho.