Caio Borralho traveled to South Africa to call out middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, who responded by inviting him to spar at his gym. Du Plessis told Borralho he could film the sparring sessions and post them if he wanted. Borralho accused Du Plessis of acting childish and urged him to sign a contract for a fight. Du Plessis questioned why Borralho believes he is in title contention negotiations. Multiple insiders have reported that a Du Plessis versus Kamaru Usman fight is being discussed. The post also noted Shavkat Rakhmonov has not fought in over a year and a half, and fans were concerned by his rehabilitation video showing him far from fighting condition.
Caio Borralho took his title pursuit directly to South Africa, traveling to confront middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and demand a shot at his belt — though the meeting did not go the way the Brazilian contender may have hoped.
Borralho, 33, carries an 18-2 record and currently sits fourth in the UFC middleweight rankings. Fighting out of The Fighting Nerds camp, the southpaw has built his case for a title shot with a striking accuracy of 56 percent and 3.44 significant strikes landed per minute, complemented by a steady grappling presence at 1.28 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Du Plessis, the reigning middleweight champion, holds a 23-3 record and ranks seventh pound-for-pound. The 32-year-old South African is one of the division's most active strikers, averaging 5.18 significant strikes per minute, and adds a takedown threat at 2.22 per 15 minutes. Rather than engaging with Borralho's callout, Du Plessis responded by inviting him to spar at his gym, offering Borralho the freedom to film and post the sessions. Borralho fired back, calling the response childish and pressing Du Plessis to sign a contract. Du Plessis, in turn, questioned why Borralho believes he is in title contention negotiations at all.
This story is unconfirmed, and the backdrop complicates Borralho's push further. Multiple insiders have reported discussions around a Du Plessis versus Kamaru Usman matchup, which would bypass Borralho entirely at this stage.
Meanwhile, undefeated welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov remains on the sidelines. The 31-year-old Kazakh, ranked third at welterweight with a perfect 19-0 record and a striking accuracy of 60 percent, has not competed in over a year and a half. Fans have grown concerned after a rehabilitation video suggested he remains well short of fighting condition.
Why it matters
- Borralho's path to a title shot is uncertain if Du Plessis is being targeted for a Usman fight
- Du Plessis publicly casting doubt on Borralho's contender status could influence UFC matchmaking discussions
- Rakhmonov's extended absence leaves a significant gap in the welterweight top five
