Reinier de Ridder criticizes Caio Borralho's position in the middleweight division: 'He didn't even fight this year'

Caio Borralho after UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter

Just a few weeks away from stepping into the octagon to test your strength against Nassourdine Imavov and fight for the first place in the middleweight ranking (up to 83,9 kg), Caio Borralho doesn't seem to be collecting admirers in his category. Sixth place, the Brazilian could jump the queue and become the challenger for the belt Khamzat Shimaev in case of victory, but to Ridder's Reinier, the Fighting Nerds star hasn't done enough to be in this position.

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According to the Dutchman, who will face anthony hernandez in October, Borralho's inactivity throughout 2025 should not qualify him for a title fight.

"If Khamzat wants to fight in Abu Dhabi, I'm definitely the guy. I think Imavov deserves it too. I don't think Caio is there; he hasn't even fought this year. His last win was against Cannonier, and MVP just beat him too. I've beaten five guys this year, and he hasn't beaten anyone. Fluffy is also close and deserves a chance soon," said the former One Championship champion in an interview with the Pound 4 Pound podcast this Thursday (21).

Ridder's Reinier questions Caio's place in the middleweight title race, pointing out his inactivity and lack of wins this year

"If Khamzat wants to fight in Abu Dhabi, it's very clear I'm the guy. I think Imavov is very deserving as well. I think Caio is not there, he… pic.twitter.com/V0W8J92BOR

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) August 21, 2025

The Maranhão native stepped into the octagon for the last time almost a year ago, in August 2024, and won Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision. Since then, he has struggled to find new opponents. In the midst of this, he held a fight submission against Brendan allen and even stepped on the scale last Friday (15) as the reserve for the title fight, between Dricus Du Plessis e Khamzat Shimaev.

Borralho will have a difficult mission at UFC Paris

Caio Borralho in official weighing of UFC 319. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Despite his "privileged" position, the Brazilian has a challenging mission on the horizon. Besides facing Imavov in Paris, his opponent's home, he will have to undergo weight cutting for the second time in less than a month. Aware of the difficulties, Borralho and his team have repeatedly stated how seriously they are taking the process.