With a perfect record of 7-0 in the UFC, Caio Borralho secured the biggest win of his career by defeating former title challenger Jared Cannonier in the main event of UFC Vegas 96 last night. This victory likely places him on the verge of a top five ranking. What could be next for this rising middleweight contender? Let’s speculate!
Caio Borralho vs. Israel Adesanya?
Israel Adesanya seems to be the ideal opponent for Caio Borralho. Following his impressive win over Cannonier, Borralho proved that he is not just a jiu-jitsu specialist trying his hand at striking, but a well-rounded fighter. Matching him up against Adesanya, a former champion and recent title challenger, would solidify Borralho’s position as the next top contender.
The Whittaker-Chimaev loser
A potential matchup for Borralho could be against the loser of the upcoming fight between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev, set for October 26th. While Chimaev has had issues with fight cancellations, the winner of this bout, especially if it’s Chimaev, could be in line for a title shot. The loser, on the other hand, may become a target for Borralho, providing him with another step towards a title opportunity.
Someone coming off of a win: Brendan Allen or Nassourdine Imavov
In France, Brendan Allen and Nassourdine Imavov are set to face off in a crucial co-main event. However, with potential matchups for Whittaker and Chimaev already in the works, the winner of Allen vs. Imavov may be looking for their next opponent. Borralho, who is expected to be ranked around six after his win over Cannonier, could be the perfect choice for whoever emerges victorious in this fight. This matchup would allow some time for the division to unfold and for other contenders, like Du Plessis, to establish themselves.
