The UFC middleweight division has a new rising star, as Caio Borralho cemented his status with a stellar performance against Jared Cannonier in a Fight Night main event. The bout, which saw Borralho emerge victorious via a unanimous decision, highlighted his exceptional skills and composure in the octagon against a veteran opponent.
A Clash of Styles
Entering the octagon, Borralho at 31 and Cannonier at 40 presented an intriguing matchup of youth and experience. Borralho's dynamic striking and superior footwork contrasted with Cannonier's powerful boxing and stance switches, making for a compelling fight.
The first round unfolded with Borralho employing strategic leg kicks to keep Cannonier off balance. This tactic paid dividends as it set the tone for the early moments of the fight. Yet, Cannonier was not to be easily deterred. In the second round, he landed a combination that visibly wobbled Borralho, showcasing his power and experience.
Momentum Shifts
Momentum swung dramatically again in the third round when Borralho delivered a staggering blow to Cannonier. This significant strike demonstrated Borralho's striking capabilities and resilience. He followed it up in the fourth round by landing more strikes, continuing to build on his advantage.
Despite being on the receiving end of several tough blows, Cannonier exhibited his tenacity, opening a deep gash under Borralho’s right eye in the fourth round. However, Borralho's relentless pressure eventually culminated in him flooring Cannonier with a punch against the fence. Cannonier, showing commendable toughness, managed to endure the barrage that followed.
The Final Round and Decision
In the final round, Borralho tried to secure a finish with a Von Flue choke, but Cannonier survived until the final horn. The fight went the distance, and the judges rendered a unanimous decision in favor of Borralho with scores of 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46.
This victory improved Borralho’s record to an impressive 17-1 with 1 no-contest, further solidifying his position as an undefeated fighter in his last 17 bouts. “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, underscoring his confidence and readiness to take on any challenges ahead.
Implications for the Middleweight Division
Borralho, who entered the fight as the UFC's No. 12 ranked middleweight, made it clear who he has his sights set on next. "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!" he exclaimed in his post-fight callout. This challenge sets the stage for a potential showdown that could further shake up the middleweight rankings.
A Tough Loss for Cannonier
On the other hand, Jared Cannonier’s record now stands at 17-8. This fight marked his first consecutive losses since moving to the middleweight division in 2018, a tough pill to swallow for the seasoned fighter. Cannonier showed his heart and durability throughout the match, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
As the dust settles, the middleweight division takes note of Borralho’s ascent. His versatility, striking prowess, and unwavering determination were on full display, and it will be intriguing to see how his career unfolds from here. With calls for high-profile fights and an unblemished recent record, Caio Borralho is a name that will likely be appearing in more headlines as he continues to climb the ranks of the UFC middleweight division.