Caio Borralho has outlined his vision for the middleweight division following the Chimaev vs Strickland bout. If Khamzat Chimaev wins, Borralho suggests the Chechen fighter should move up in weight, leaving the belt vacant for a rematch between himself and Nassourdine Imavov to determine the new champion. Alternatively, if Sean Strickland wins, Borralho argues he should be the next title challenger since he is the only top-five contender Strickland has not faced. Borralho asked fans whether his proposed scenarios make sense for the division's future.
Caio Borralho has publicly laid out two separate paths for the UFC middleweight division depending on the outcome of the upcoming bout between Khamzat Chimaev and champion Sean Strickland, arguing that either scenario points directly to him as a central figure at 185 pounds.
Borralho, ranked fourth in the middleweight division, carries an 18-2 record and has established himself as one of the more well-rounded contenders in the weight class. The 33-year-old Brazilian southpaw out of The Fighting Nerds lands significant strikes at a rate of 3.44 per minute with an impressive 56 percent accuracy, and adds consistent wrestling pressure averaging 1.28 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Sean Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, holds a 31-7 record and defends the belt with relentless output, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute. The 35-year-old American from Xtreme Couture carries a 76-inch reach and has become one of the division's most active and durable champions.
Khamzat Chimaev enters the bout as the number-one ranked middleweight and the tenth-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The 32-year-old representing the UAE and Allstars Training Center holds a 15-1 record and is arguably the most dangerous wrestler in the division, averaging a remarkable 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes with 60 percent striking accuracy.
Why it matters
- If Chimaev wins and moves to a higher weight class, Borralho is proposing a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov to crown a new champion.
- If Strickland retains, Borralho argues his top-five standing makes him the logical next challenger, as the only ranked contender in that group Strickland has yet to face.
- At six-foot-one with a 75-inch reach, Borralho matches up physically with both fighters and presents a legitimate stylistic test for whoever emerges from the Chimaev-Strickland matchup.
