Paulo borrachinha e Khamzat Shimaev are declared rivals in the UFC. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage
Paulo borrachinha He believes his next move in the UFC could put him in contention for a title, but he doesn't yet know who his opponent will be. The Brazilian is experiencing a new phase in his career after winning... Azamat Murzakanov with high kick at UFC 327, a result that repositions him among the top names in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg), especially given the absence of the champion. Carlos Ulberg, who recently underwent surgery.
In a video published on his YouTube channel, Borrachinha assessed that the possibility of an interim belt is open and depends on the UFC's decision, although he sees the scenario as likely due to the champion's long period of inactivity. The fighter highlighted that the estimated recovery time could exceed 10 months, which, in his view, would justify the creation of a provisional title in the division.
“Could the next fight be for the interim light heavyweight title? It could. The UFC will decide. Fans can ask for it, they can show their interest in what they want to see. But the interim belt fight, I believe it should happen. The champion had serious surgery, which I don't think will allow him to return for at least 10 months, so that's a long time without a belt, and that's why I think they'll put in an interim title,” he said. Paulo borrachinha.
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The Brazilian also analyzed the current state of the category, pointing out the difficulty in defining a possible opponent. According to him, a large portion of the top 5 names come from defeats, which historically weighs against choosing title contenders. Among the alternatives, he mentioned Jiri Prochazka, who has performed recently, and Khamzat Shimaev, which still depends on the outcome of the match against Sean Strickland marked for the UFC 328.
“There are a few names, but all of the top 5 are coming off losses. The UFC doesn't usually put someone popular coming off a loss. There's Prochazka, who just fought… there's also the option of Chimaev, if he beats Strickland, but the fight hasn't even happened yet, so it's impossible to know what will be done. But, whatever the UFC's decision is, I think it will be a well-considered decision,” Borrachinha concluded.
Paulo Borrachinha is having a good run in the UFC.
Borrachinha in victory over Kopylov at UFC 318 (Photo: Instagram)
After risking dismissal, Paulo borrachinha He turned things around in the UFC and is experiencing one of his best moments in the organization. In June 2025, the Brazilian ended his bad streak by winning Roman Kopylov No. UFC 316, getting back on the winning track.
The real turning point, however, came at UFC 327, held in April 2026. In his light heavyweight debut (up to 93 kg), Borrachinha knocked out... Azamat Murzakanov and established himself as one of the leading names in the category.
Given this new scenario, the fighter from Minas Gerais is now being seen as a potential contender for the belt, with expectations that his next challenge could be for the division title.
Read More about: Carlos Ulberg, Jiri Prochazka, Khazmat Chimaev, Paulo borrachinha, UFC
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