Caio Borralho believes the UFC‘s middleweight division could see a massive shakeup after UFC 326. Borralho says a dominant finish over Reinier de Ridder would push him into title contention at 185 pounds. He plans to seize the opportunity with a statement win.
Borralho is set to face de Ridder in the co-main event of UFC 326 next Saturday. Both fighters are coming off a loss and will aim to rebound in impressive fashion.
There has been plenty of speculation about the landscape of the middleweight division. Reigning champion Khazmat Chimaev has hinted at a move up to light heavyweight. Meanwhile, top-10 contenders Robert Whittaker and Michael ‘Venom’ Page are set to compete at light heavyweight and welterweight, respectively.
Given the current state of the division, an impressive performance and stoppage victory could position the winner for a title fight.
Caio Borralho Says Khamzat Chimaev’s Could Soon Leave Middleweight Division
Caio Borralho claimed that Khamzat Chimaev‘s time at middleweight is already nearing an end. He made it clear that he wants finish Reinier de Ridder and secure a title shot. However, he does not believe Chimaev will be champion when he fights for the title.
“I think with a great knockout over de Ridder and a great performance, it will put me back into the conversation of a title fight,” Borralho told Stake.
The Brazilian shared his thoughts on the UFC’s middleweight division. While there might be some uncertainty surrounding Chimaev, he said the division is stacked with contenders. He believes he will ultimately face one of them for the middleweight championship, especially if ‘Borz’ vacates.
“I think Khamzat Chimaev only has one more fight at middleweight before he makes the eventual move to light heavyweight. If I fight for the title, I don’t think it will be against Khamzat,” Borralho said.
He added:
“The middleweight division is really stacked right now. We have the likes of Brendan Allen, the former champion Dricus du Plessis, Sean Strickland, [Nassourdine] Imavov,” Borralho said. ” With a knockout win on Mar. 7, it would help my case. However, we have to see how the stars align at middleweight.”
Borralho Confident Ahead of UFC 326 Clash With de Ridder
Borralho also expressed confidence ahead of his middleweight bout with de Ridder at UFC 326. The Brazilian highlighted a key area that he believes he can exploit.
Borralho pointed to de Ridder’s most recent bout against Brendan Allen as a blueprint. He said de Riddler wasn’t comfortable when he was grappling with Allen during their fight and eventually got tired. The Brazilian believes his grappling will be a difference-maker.
“I felt I was a better grappler than Brendan Allen [and] I felt that Allen was the same level as de Ridder. When he was defending, de Ridder couldn’t do much. When Allen went on the offensive, de Ridder didn’t have options,” Borralho told Stake. “This makes me confident in my fight. Grappling is my go to. I came to MMA as a grappler.”
He added:
“I just have to be offensive with my grappling against de Ridder and he will have no comeback.”
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