Paulo Borrachinha and Khamzat Chimaev are declared rivals in the UFC. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage
Paulo Borrachinha is convinced he can beat Khamzat Chimaev . In the main event of UFC 319, the Chechen dominated Dricus Du Plessis and became the undefeated middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg). Although no one has been able to stop 'The Wolf', the Brazilian is sure that his strength will make the difference.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Paulo Borrachinha assessed Khamzat Chimaev 's performance and highlighted that, although the Chechen dominated Du Plessis, he was unable to achieve the same success he has when facing lighter opponents.
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"He dominated Dricus, but he couldn't do the same thing he used to do against light middleweights. When he faces a real middleweight, a real heavyweight, he's going to have some problems. That's my opinion," said Borrachinha.
Paulo emphasized that Dricus, like himself, is a true middleweight. The fighter from Minas Gerais stressed that he knows how to handle Chimaev's style and recalled his own experience against Yoel Romero , whom he believes fights similarly to the Chechen.
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"Dricus is a true middleweight because he came in weighing about 105 kilos, only to fight at 96 kilos on fight day. That's what I do, and I know how to handle these guys. Remember my fight against Romero? Romero is a top-notch wrestler, and a very good one too. He managed to get me to the ground. He tried four or five times and managed it once at the end of the second round, with about 10 seconds to finish, but he couldn't keep me there. And the same will happen when I fight Khamzat," continued the Minas Gerais native.
When imagining a possible fight against Chimaev, Borrachinha reinforced his confidence and stated that, even if he is knocked down, he would be able to get up.
"He won't be able to hold me down. Even if he knocks me down, I won't be able to stay standing against him the whole time. I think he can knock me down, but he won't be able to keep me there," concluded Paulo Borrachinha.
Paulo Borrachinha and the line to face Khamzat Chimaev
Despite his desire and established rivalry with Khamzat Chimaev , Borrachinha is still a few steps behind in the race to face the Chechen. Ahead of him are Caio Borralho , who faces Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Paris for the number one contender spot, Reinier De Ridder , ranked fifth, and Anthony Hernandez , who boasts the longest winning streak in the division with eight victories.
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