Outside Source
Caio Borralho is coming off a victory over Jared Cannonier in August 2024. | Getty/UFC
Caio Borralho was not surprised by the result of the UFC 319 headliner.
With the experience of having trained with Khamzat Chimaev in Sweden for one month, the Brazilian indicated in a previous interview with Sherdog.com that he expected the Chechen to dominate Dricus Du Plessis.
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“I think it will be very similar to what he did with [Robert] Whittaker,” said Borralho, who served as the backup fighter for the middleweight title fight.
While Chimaev didn’t finish Du Plessis inside of a round, he did thoroughly dominate the South African for 25 minutes to claim middleweight gold at the United Center in Chicago on Saturday night. Shortly after the event, Borralho discussed the challenge of making weight again for his UFC Paris showdown with Nassourdine Imavov on Sept. 6.
“Champions are made of this: taking risks, seeking the biggest challenges, and conquering everything,” Borralho told UFC Fight Pass Brazil. “I made weight very well, recovered quickly, and I’m already planning everything for the rest of the camp, heading to Paris in 11 days.”
Borralho: UFC Paris Win Will Secure Title Shot
Borralho believes that a victory over Imavov will make him the No. 1 contender at 185 pounds.
“I’ve won seven [fights in a row], all against tough opponents,” he said. “I’ve earned three bonuses in my last four fights. I took on [Jared] Cannonier and did what no one else has done to him. I know I need another win; I have to get to Paris and show why I’m the next challenger. I’ll do that and represent Brazil once again.”
In an interview with Sherdog right after UFC 319, The Fighting Nerds standout explained why he believes he is the worst matchup for Chimaev in the middleweight division.
“I spent a month training with him at All Stars, and I know exactly how he works,” Borralho said. “I’m the guy who has an advantage to beat him because I know exactly what he’s going to do. I know the steps he takes in his progressive system and I know how to counter and deny those steps. I have a lot of respect for Khamzat. He’s like a brother to me. But now, It’s me or him.”
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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