The UFC middleweight division has a new rising star in Caio Borralho, who recently emerged victorious against veteran Jared Cannonier in a Fight Night main event. The bout, which pitted the 31-year-old Borralho against the 40-year-old Cannonier, showcased a thrilling clash of styles and strategies.
A Display of Skill and Tactics
Caio Borralho's win over Jared Cannonier was marked by his exceptional footwork and a diverse array of striking techniques. In contrast, Cannonier primarily relied on his powerful boxing and stance switches to keep Borralho at bay. The first round saw Borralho keeping Cannonier off balance with well-timed leg kicks, establishing his control early in the fight.
The second round brought a dramatic turn when Cannonier managed to wobble Borralho with a powerful combination. Despite this, Borralho quickly regained his composure and continued to counter with his versatile strikes. The third round was particularly significant, as Borralho delivered a staggering blow to Cannonier, asserting his dominance.
As the fight progressed into the fourth round, Borralho continued to outstrike Cannonier. However, Cannonier managed to land a significant shot that opened a deep gash under Borralho's right eye, adding a layer of intensity to the bout. The Brazilian fighter fought through the adversity, flooring Cannonier with a punch against the fence. Cannonier, demonstrating his toughness, endured the barrage and continued to defend himself after the knockdown.
Final Round and Decision
The final round saw Borralho attempting a Von Flue choke, showcasing his grappling prowess, but the fight ultimately went the distance. The judges rendered a unanimous decision in favor of Borralho, with scores of 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46, reflecting his definitive control over the majority of the fight.
Career Milestones
With this victory, Caio Borralho improved his record to 17-1 with 1 no-contest. He is now undefeated in his last 17 fights, solidifying his status as a prominent contender in the middleweight division. Entering the bout as the UFC's No. 12 ranked middleweight, Borralho's performance has likely earned him a significant climb up the rankings.
On the other hand, Jared Cannonier's record now stands at 17-8. This defeat marks consecutive losses for the first time since he moved to the middleweight division in 2018, a setback that will prompt the veteran fighter to reassess his strategy moving forward.
Post-Fight Reactions
In his post-fight interview with UFC commentator Michael Bisping, Borralho confidently declared, "I'm the new face, even with some scratches. Everyone who sees these glasses should be afraid." His statement reflects the confidence and determination of a fighter on the rise.
Moreover, Borralho did not hesitate to call out his next potential 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!" Borralho’s callout sets the stage for an exciting potential matchup that fans will eagerly anticipate.
Borralho’s performance against Cannonier not only highlights his technical skills and resilience but also signals a new era in the UFC middleweight division. As Borralho continues to climb the ranks, the upcoming battles promise to bring even more electrifying action to the Octagon.