Chimaev's coach points to Caio Borralho as a fighter who could make life difficult for the Chechen in the UFC

C. Borralho training with K. Chimaev. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter

Who can stop Khamzat Shimaev? That's the question many MMA fans ask themselves when talking about the Chechen, undefeated with 17 career wins. "The Wolf" is scheduled to fight for the middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg) in UFC 319, scheduled for August 16, in Chicago, against Dricus Du PlessisHowever, for his coach, Alan Finfou, his pupil's biggest challenge may come from another name.

In an interview with the channel 'Sexto Round', Finfou pointed out Caio Borralho as one of the few athletes capable of complicating Chimaev's game, highlighting especially the high level of grappling presented by the Brazilian middleweight.

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“He also has very good jiu-jitsu. I even forgot about him: Caio Borralho. He trained there at the gym too. On his back on the ground or on top, man, good jiu-jitsu,” Finfou said.

Before Chimaev was confirmed as a title challenger against Du Plessis, Borralho was considered a potential rival for the Chechen. At the time, "The Wolf" even taunted the Brazilian on social media, posting training footage in which he had the upper hand.

Training between Chimaev and Caio Borralho. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC

Despite this, the coach made a point of contextualizing that the images did not reflect a real fight scenario.

"Caio was there helping out during camp. It wasn't a training session; Caio was there more to help with preparation. When you go like that, you're not 100%; you act based on the situation of your friend's opponent, the one you're helping," concluded the coach.

Possible meeting between Chimaev and Borralho at UFC 319

Despite the expectation for a future fight between Khamzat Shimaev e Caio Borralho, fans will have to wait to see the Brazilian and Chechen share the octagon, at least for now. This is because both have immediate commitments already defined. 'The Wolf' will fight for the middleweight belt in UFC 319 against Dricus Du Plessis, while the 'Nerd' is scheduled to face Nassourdine Imavov No. UFC Paris.

However, there is a possibility that this confrontation will happen in the UFC 319. Caio Borralho was announced as the official reserve of the belt dispute, which means that, if Dricus Du Plessis is forced to leave the fight, the Brazilian will step in to face Chimaev.