Caio Borralho want to face Khamzat Shimaev for the UFC middleweight belt. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage
Caio Borralho ensures that he knows how to stop Khamzat Shimaev. On UFC 319, held last Saturday (16), the 'Lobo' made another victim when dominating Dricus Du Plessis and win the UFC middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg). In the fight, the now former champion had no answers for the Chechen's grappling, something that, according to the 'Nerd', only he has the solution.
In an interview with 'MMA Junkie,' Borralho stated that Chimaev repeats the same pattern against all his rivals, dominating them with his wrestling and jiu-jitsu. According to the Fighting Nerds representative, most fighters don't know how to prepare for the champion, believing that practicing takedown defense is enough, when in reality, the Chechen's grappling system is much more complex.
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"He did what he does to everyone. He dominated the guys with his wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and everything else. I think people don't have an answer for that. They don't know how to prepare. They think all they have to do is hire a bunch of wrestlers to try to take you down and practice takedown defense. That's not the point. People make a lot of mistakes when preparing to fight Khamzat," he said. Caio Borralho.
Despite praising the new middleweight champion's level and classifying him as almost impossible to beat when he manages to execute his game, Borralho highlighted that he has an advantage over the other athletes in the division because he has already trained with Chimaev and knows his fighting methodology well.
"For me, it's the same. He's a phenomenal athlete, very strong. His wrestling is top-notch. It's almost impossible to scramble with him, because he's been doing it since he was nine years old. I don't think that's the way to go. I spent a month in his camp when I was in All Stars, and I know very well how he works, his system, and everything. I have an advantage over all the middleweights: I'm the only one who has the edge to beat him, because I know exactly what he does, the steps he takes, and how to counter them. I have a lot of respect for Khamzat. He's like a brother to me. But right now, it's a matter of competition. It's me or him," concluded the 'Nerd'.
Caio Borralho faces Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Paris
Caio Borralho (right) and Nassourdine Imavov (left) are in the main fight of the UFC Paris. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
Caio Borralho will have the chance to prove his point by facing Khamzat Shimaev in the future. Before that, however, he needs to overcome Nassourdine Imavov in the main fight of UFC Paris, scheduled for September 6, in a duel that should define the next number one challenger for the middleweight title.
Read More about: Caio Borralho, Dricus Du Plessis, Khamzat Shimaev, Nassourdine Imavov, UFC 319, UFC Paris
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