Despite leaving the octagon with a cut under his right eye, Caio Borralho’s sharp fight IQ was on full display as he edged out a decisive victory over Jared Cannonier at UFC Vegas 96. The 31-year-old Brazilian fighter, part of the “Fighting Nerds” team, didn’t just claim a hard-fought win — he reignited his calls for a title shot against reigning UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis.
Borralho’s unanimous decision win, scored 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46, showcased his tactical prowess and endurance. The matchup with Cannonier, known for his power and grit, was no easy feat, but Borralho demonstrated why he’s one of the rising stars in the middleweight division.
Tactical Brilliance in the Octagon
From the opening bell, Borralho made his presence felt, landing crisp, well-timed strikes that kept Cannonier on the back foot. While the American mounted a spirited comeback in the second round, Borralho seized momentum once again as the third round came to a close, delivering a brutal left hand that visibly rocked Cannonier.
The fight wasn’t without its challenges for Borralho, who sustained a nasty cut above his right eye during a flurry of punches from Cannonier. Still, the Brazilian remained composed, and heading into the final round, the contest was evenly poised.
In the closing minutes, Borralho unleashed a devastating combination — a perfectly placed right hook followed by a sharp left hand — that sent Cannonier crashing to the mat. Sensing the end, Borralho sealed the victory with a textbook chokehold, cementing his claim for a higher ranking in the middleweight division.
“It’s My Time”: Borralho Calls for Du Plessis
After the fight, Borralho wasted no time in setting his sights on Dricus Du Plessis. This isn’t the first time Borralho has called out the champion, but this time, he believes he’s earned his shot.
“I’ve called him out two times before, and this is the third,” Borralho stated in a post-fight interview. “He told me to get two more wins, but now I’ve got four more. It’s my time.”
With four straight victories, Borralho feels ready to challenge the dominant Du Plessis. “He’s beaten everyone, and now I’m the new face of this division. I’ve shown I’m durable, I’m skilled, and I have what it takes to be a champion. Now I just need the chance to prove it.”
Ricci and Morales Shine in Co-Main Events
In the co-main event, Tabatha Ricci put on an impressive display, outpointing Angela Hill to secure a unanimous decision victory with all judges scoring the fight 29-28. Ricci’s win further solidifies her position as a force to be reckoned with in the women’s strawweight division.
Elsewhere on the card, Michael Morales delivered a quick and brutal first-round TKO against UFC veteran Neil Magny, showcasing his heavy hands and relentless aggression. Gerald Meerschaert also made waves with a second-round submission victory over Edmen Shahbazyan, giving him the most stoppage wins in UFC middleweight history — surpassing the legendary Anderson Silva.
The Ultimate Fighter Tournament Highlights
In the featherweight and middleweight finals of The Ultimate Fighter season 32, both Marion Santos and Ryan Loder claimed dominant victories. Santos took home the featherweight title with a second-round stoppage win over Kaan Ofli, while Loder clinched the middleweight crown by defeating Robert Valentin, also by stoppage in the second round.
What’s Next for Borralho?
Caio Borralho’s next move is clear — he wants a shot at the middleweight throne. Whether the UFC will grant him his wish remains to be seen, but after a dominant performance against a top-tier opponent like Jared Cannonier, it’s hard to deny that Borralho is knocking on the door of a title fight. As he continues to evolve and sharpen his skills, the Brazilian contender is quickly becoming a name to watch in the UFC’s stacked middleweight division.
