Salvador? Paulo Borrachinha criticizes Ankalaev, provokes, and seals the fate of the UFC light heavyweights: 'Russian's killer'

Borrachinha in a photoshoot. Photo: Reproduction/X/BorrachinhaMMA

PUBLICITY:

If Paulo Borrachinha was already on a collision course with Magomed Ankalaev , he took advantage of the latter's performance at UFC Abu Dhabi to intensify the rivalry. At the event held this Saturday (25), the former light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) knocked out Bogdan Guskov in the fifth round of the main fight , but was booed by the audience present at the 'Etihad Arena'. And the Brazilian agreed with the fans' reaction.

On his official 'X' account, Borrachinha not only criticized Ankalaev for his lack of action in the fight, but also taunted him about his bureaucratic style. Indeed, the duel offered few exciting moments and, despite his dominance, the Russian was pragmatic, doing only the basics. So much so that the former champion's knockout was, in a way, even surprising.

Now that champion Carlos Ulberg has suffered a serious leg injury, the UFC is likely to create a fight for the interim light heavyweight title, which could be between Ankalaev and Borrachinha. And, if the speculation becomes reality, the bad boy, who is a showman in action and created a narrative of fighting against Russian fighters, has already sealed the fate of the traditional division.

See too

Ankalaev exorcises 'ghost' Poatan by knocking out Valter Walker's friend in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi.

VIDEO: Valter Walker wins 'Penta' and maintains historic streak at UFC Abu Dhabi

VIDEO: Ismael Marreta suffers from elbow strikes and ends up being submitted at UFC Abu Dhabi

"They are so anticlimactic. By the power of the Almighty, I will save this category from monotony and boredom . A Russian assassin against tedious fights ," the fighter wrote.

PUBLICITY:

Watch Magomed Ankalaev's stunning knockout at UFC Abu Dhabi.

Back in the win column 💪 @AnkalaevM found the finish to stay on top of the light heavyweight rankings!

[ #UFCAbuDhabi | @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/0sIfJpMfo1

— UFC (@ufc) July 25, 2026

Rubber Band Fighters in MMA

Paulo Borrachinha , 35, is one of the most popular Brazilian fighters in the UFC. He began his MMA career in 2012, debuted for the organization in 2017, and fought for the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg) in 2020. Currently, the Minas Gerais native is ranked fourth in the light heavyweight division.

PUBLICITY:

In sports, the bad boy built a record of 16 wins and four losses. His main victories were over Azamat Murzakanov , Johny Hendricks , Luke Rockhold , and Yoel Romero.