Paulo Borrachinha tries to get back to winning ways in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Paulo Borrachinha is focused on winning the UFC belt. The Brazilian recently surprised fans by announcing his move from the Middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg) to the Light Heavyweight division (up to 93 kg), where he will face the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327. According to his coach, André Benkei, the decision is part of a strategic plan that could lead the fighter from Minas Gerais to compete for titles in two divisions.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Benkei highlighted the athlete's level of commitment to becoming champion in the short term, emphasizing that Borrachinha gave up personal comforts and even left home to dedicate himself fully to his career.
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"Borrachinha is focused on becoming champion within a year. The guy is giving up everything, he doesn't even live at home anymore. His mind is ready for this now," said Andre Benkei.
Coach explains cancellation of Borrachinha's fight against Bruno Hulk.
Paulo Borrachinha is one of the most attractive fighters in the UFC middleweight division. (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram)
Before being confirmed to fight Murzakanov at UFC 327, Paulo Borrachinha was lined up to face Bruno Hulk at UFC 326. However, according to his coach, the fight didn't go ahead because it didn't contribute to his project of reaching the title. The Brazilian didn't even sign a contract; he only discussed the possibility due to a lack of options in the top 10. This situation caused discomfort and raised questions about the real availability of these names.
“That fight (against Bruno Hulk) wouldn’t add anything to the project of becoming champion. (Borrachinha) didn’t even sign the contract. He only agreed and discussed the possibility because (the UFC) didn’t give us any options in the top 10. And, on the day he said, ‘Okay,’ two highly ranked fighters ended up being matched. If those guys weren’t available, how did they end up fighting? He was a little upset with the UFC,” the coach continued.
Later, according to the coach, the UFC presented an alternative considered attractive by the team: the opportunity to move up to light heavyweight, with the promise that a victory would earn him a spot in the top 5 of two divisions. Benkei stated that he believes Borrachinha is ready for this challenge.
“Then the UFC said, ‘Look, let’s do this. You want to fight at light heavyweight? We’ll give you a chance. If you win this fight, you get a top 5 position in both divisions and can move forward in both, competing for the belt in either one if you want.’ That’s a challenge worth accepting because I think he’s ready. Borrachinha has that tiger eye now, so let’s go for it,” Benkei concluded.
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