Caio Borralho is aiming to reshape the UFC middleweight division with a decisive victory at UFC 326. Scheduled to fight Reinier de Ridder in the event’s co-main bout next Saturday, Borralho believes a commanding finish would thrust him into contention for the 185-pound title.
Both Borralho and de Ridder are coming off recent losses and are determined to rebound strongly. Given the shifting dynamics within the middleweight ranks, a dominant win could open the door for a championship opportunity.
Borralho Predicts Khamzat Chimaev’s Middleweight Tenure Nears Its End
Borralho anticipates that champion Khamzat Chimaev will soon leave the middleweight division to compete at light heavyweight. He made clear his intention to defeat de Ridder decisively and earn a shot at the belt, though he doubts Chimaev will still be champion when that happens.
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 said in an interview with Stake.
Although there’s uncertainty about Chimaev’s future at 185 pounds, Borralho emphasized the division remains crowded with high-level challengers. He expects to face one of these elite fighters for the middleweight championship if Chimaev vacates the title.
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 explained.
He also highlighted the depth of competition:
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 Grappling Will Be Key Versus de Ridder
Approaching his bout with de Ridder, Borralho expressed strong confidence about his grappling ability shaping the outcome. He referenced de Ridder’s recent fight against Brendan Allen, noting the Dutchman struggled and fatigued under grappling pressure.
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 shared with Stake.
This makes me confident in my fight. Grappling is my go to. I came to MMA as a grappler.
He emphasized the approach he plans to take:
I just have to be offensive with my grappling against de Ridder and he will have no comeback.
The Significance of UFC 326 for the Middleweight Division
UFC 326 holds considerable importance amid a middleweight division in flux. With Khamzat Chimaev hinting at moving up a weight class and other key contenders, like Robert Whittaker and Michael ‘Venom’ Page competing elsewhere, the division’s balance could quickly shift.
Borralho’s fight against de Ridder may be pivotal in determining the next title challenger. A clear, decisive win could place Borralho in prime position as the division reorganizes. The middleweight title scene is poised for change, making the March 7 event crucial for fighters and fans alike.
