No Chimaev! Caio Borralho surprises and indicates who should fight for the middleweight belt.

Borralho promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Caio Borralho analyzed the next steps for the top of the middleweight category (up to 83,9 kg) and surprised everyone by pointing out who he believes should be the next challenger for the belt. While Khamzat Chimaev seeks an immediate rematch against Sean Strickland after losing the title in May, the Brazilian argues that another name deserves the opportunity.

In an interview with the North American website MMA Fighting, available last Monday (31), Borralho was asked about who should receive the next opportunity for the middleweight belt. The Fighting Nerds athlete assessed the moment of the division and highlighted a name that, in his view, has already fulfilled all the requirements to compete for the title.

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“I think Imavov deserves the title next. He already has a history with Strickland, having lost in a short notice fight to Strickland, and I think he’s done everything he needed to earn the title shot, so I think he needs to be next,” said Caio Borralho.

The statement positions Nassourdine Imavov as the Brazilian's top choice for the next middleweight title fight. The Frenchman has faced Strickland before, in 2023, when he was defeated by unanimous decision.

Since then, Imavov has established himself as one of the top names in the division and has moved closer to a title shot. In Caio Borralho 's view , his current form and history against the reigning champion make the Frenchman a natural choice for the next title fight.

Caio's career path in professional MMA.

Borralho at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

At 33 years old, Caio Borralho is one of the top Brazilian names in the UFC middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). A professional since 2014, the fighter has a record of 18 wins and two losses, with five wins by knockout and four by submission. In the UFC, he has nine fights, with eight wins and only one loss, suffered against Nassourdine Imavov in September 2025. In his most recent appearance, the Fighting Nerds athlete defeated Reinier de Ridder by unanimous decision at UFC 326 in March of this year.

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