Borrachinha downplays Chimaev's dominance and explains how he would beat Lobo in the UFC: 'He won't hold me back'

Paulo borrachinha e Khamzat Shimaev are declared rivals in the UFC. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage

Paulo borrachinha is convinced that he can win Khamzat Shimaev. In the main fight UFC 319, the Chechen dominated Dricus Du Plessis and became the undefeated middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg). Although no one has been able to stop the 'Wolf,' the Minas Gerais native is confident that his strength will make the difference.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Paulo borrachinha evaluated the performance of Khamzat Shimaev 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 Minas Gerais native emphasized that he knows how to handle Chimaev's style and recalled his own experience against him. Yoel romero, who he believes fights in a similar way 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 keep me down. Even if he knocks me down, I won't be able to stand against him the whole time. I think he can knock me down, but he won't be able to keep me there," he concluded. Paulo borrachinha.

Paulo Borrachinha and the line to face Khamzat Chimaev

Despite his desire and the rivalry established with Khamzat Shimaev, Borrachinha is still a few steps behind in the race to face the Chechen. Ahead of him are Caio Borralho, which faces Nassourdine Imavov No. UFC Paris for the number one challenger spot, Reinier DeRidder, fifth in the ranking, and anthony hernandez, which is enjoying the longest winning streak in the division with eight triumphs.