Borralho: 'I’m the Only One Who Can Beat Chimaev'

Caio Borralho believes he is uniquely equipped to challenge newly crowned UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev  and maybe even beat him. Borralho (17-1, 7-0 UFC) served as the backup fighter for UFC 319, where Chimaev dominated Dricus Du Plessis to win the title. While many fans criticized the one-sided fight as “boring,” Borralho said it was simply another example of Chimaev doing what he always does: overwhelm opponents with elite wrestling and suffocating jiu-jitsu.

“People don’t know how to prepare for that,” Borralho told MMA Junkie. “They make a lot of mistakes. It’s not just about hiring wrestlers. I know his system, I know his steps, and I know how to deny them.”

Borralho pointed to his past training time with Chimaev at Sweden’s Allstars Gym as proof of his unique insight.

“I spent one month in his training camp. I know very well how he works. I’m the one that has an advantage to beat him because I know exactly what he’s doing,” he said. Despite the respect he has for Chimaev, Borralho insists the time has come for competition.

For now, Borralho is slated to headline UFC Fight Night 258 on Sept. 6 in Paris against Nassourdine Imavov, but he says he’s ready to pivot if the UFC wants Chimaev to make a quick turnaround at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 26.

Borralho is ready for Chimaev

“To be honest with you, if UFC comes to me right now and says, ‘F*ck Imavov. He’s a guy that gives us a lot of work. He didn’t want to fight on International Fight Week, he called the backup “leftovers.” He don’t respect the UFC. So f*ck Imavov. F*ck Paris. Get prepared to fight Khamzat in Abu Dhabi in October,’ I’m ready. If UFC offers me this, I’ll say yes right away.”