In a night of high-stakes action at UFC Vegas 96, Caio Borralho solidified his reputation as one of the most promising middleweights in the UFC. In what is being hailed as the biggest victory of his career, Borralho outlasted veteran fighter Jared Cannonier in a grueling five-round war at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. This hard-fought victory extended Borralho’s remarkable win streak to 16 consecutive fights, including an undefeated 7-0 record inside the octagon.
A Grueling Battle from Start to Finish
The main event was everything fans hoped for—a tactical and physical battle that showcased the skills, resilience, and heart of both fighters. All three judges saw the fight in favor of Borralho, with two judges scoring the bout 49-45, and one judge giving it 48-46. These scores reflected Borralho’s ability to consistently land effective strikes and maintain control throughout the majority of the fight, despite Cannonier’s relentless pressure and experience.
The fight began with Borralho taking immediate control by landing a pair of stiff jabs that quickly left Cannonier’s nose bloodied and swollen. These early strikes not only set the tone for the fight but also showed that Borralho was not intimidated by the veteran Cannonier, who has fought some of the top names in the division. However, the momentum was briefly halted when Borralho accidentally poked Cannonier in the eye. The referee called for a pause in the action to allow Cannonier to recover, a moment that added to the tension of an already intense bout.
Once the fight resumed, Cannonier tried to capitalize on the break by landing a clean left hook, a punch that briefly seemed to shift the momentum in his favor. However, Borralho quickly regained control by delivering a pair of brutal calf kicks that visibly affected Cannonier’s mobility. These kicks, which have become a signature weapon in Borralho’s arsenal, were highly effective in limiting Cannonier’s movement and ability to plant his feet for power punches.
Round 2: Cannonier Strikes Back
As the second round began, it was clear that Cannonier had no intention of letting Borralho dominate the fight. He came out with a renewed sense of urgency, pushing Borralho onto the back foot and forcing the Brazilian to retreat. Cannonier landed a heavy right hand that caused Borralho’s expression to change momentarily—a clear indication that the punch had landed cleanly. This strike, followed by a well-timed combination, began to shift the momentum in Cannonier’s favor.
The confidence of Cannonier, nicknamed “Killa Gorilla” for his knockout power, seemed to grow as the round progressed. He began to press forward more aggressively, using his experience to cut off the cage and limit Borralho’s movement. Despite this, Borralho continued to find success with his jab, using it to keep Cannonier at a distance and disrupt his rhythm. The round was highly competitive, with both fighters having their moments, but it was Cannonier’s power shots that seemed to leave a lasting impression as they headed into the third round.
Round 3: A Tense and Tactical Encounter
The third round saw both fighters approach the action with a bit more caution, fully aware that one mistake could turn the tide of the fight. The opening minutes of the round were tentative, with both men carefully selecting their shots. Despite the slower pace, each exchange carried significant weight, as both fighters looked to assert their dominance.
The tension in the air was palpable as the round progressed. Borralho continued to use his jab effectively, while Cannonier looked for opportunities to land his powerful right hand. The final minute of the round saw a dramatic shift in momentum, as Borralho landed a clean combination that visibly hurt Cannonier. Sensing an opportunity to finish the fight, Borralho pressed forward with a flurry of punches, backing Cannonier up against the cage.
However, the 40-year-old Cannonier, known for his toughness and durability, managed to weather the storm. Despite being clearly hurt, he fought back with a few solid punches of his own, reminding Borralho that he was still very much in the fight. The horn sounded to end the round, with both fighters showing signs of wear and tear from the intense exchanges.
Championship Rounds: The Battle Intensifies
As the fight entered the championship rounds, it became clear that both fighters were digging deep into their reserves. The fourth round saw Cannonier regain some of the momentum he had lost in the previous round. He found success with beautifully timed counter punches and combinations, showcasing the experience that has made him a perennial contender in the middleweight division.
Cannonier’s precision in this round was evident, as he began to target Borralho’s face with more frequency. A particularly well-placed shot opened a cut below Borralho’s right eye, a visual reminder of the damage Cannonier was capable of inflicting. The sight of blood seemed to invigorate Cannonier, who pressed forward with renewed energy, looking to capitalize on the opening. However, despite the damage, Borralho remained composed, continuing to use his jab to keep Cannonier at bay.
The round was extremely close, with both fighters having their moments of success. Cannonier’s counterpunches were sharp, but Borralho’s volume and accuracy with his jab and combinations made it difficult to give a clear edge to either fighter. As the round ended, the cut below Borralho’s eye was attended to by his corner, who urged him to stay focused for the final five minutes.
Final Round: Borralho’s Defining Moment
The fifth and final round was a true test of willpower and endurance. Both fighters were clearly exhausted from the grueling pace of the previous rounds, but neither was willing to back down. The early exchanges were tentative, as both fighters searched for the decisive blow that could secure the victory.
As the round progressed, it became a battle of attrition, with both men landing shots but struggling to maintain the same level of intensity that had characterized the earlier rounds. It was during one of these exchanges that Borralho found his moment. He landed a devastating shot that sent Cannonier crashing to the canvas, a moment that could have easily ended the fight.
The crowd at the APEX held its breath as Borralho swarmed Cannonier, looking to finish the fight. Referee Dan Miragliotta closely watched the action, ready to step in if necessary. Borralho quickly transitioned to an arm-triangle choke, a submission that has finished many fighters in the past. However, Cannonier, showing incredible heart and determination, managed to survive the submission attempt and make it to the final horn.
What’s Next for Borralho?
With this victory, Borralho not only extends his unbeaten streak in the UFC but also solidifies his status as a legitimate contender in the middleweight division. His record now stands at 7-0 in the UFC, and it’s likely that he will earn a spot in the top ten of the middleweight rankings when the new rankings are released on Monday.
In his post-fight interview, Borralho made it clear that he has his sights set on UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis. However, given the depth of talent in the division, it’s likely that Borralho will need another significant win before he can secure a title shot. Possible matchups with other top contenders could provide the final stepping stone Borralho needs to earn a shot at the belt.
Cannonier’s Road Ahead
For Jared Cannonier, this loss marks a difficult moment in his career. After dropping a TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov in June at UFC Louisville, this second consecutive defeat puts Cannonier in a challenging position. Once considered a top contender in the division, Cannonier will need to reassess his strategy and make adjustments if he hopes to climb back up the rankings.
Cannonier’s experience and power make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division, but at 40 years old, time may be a factor. The next few fights will be critical for Cannonier as he looks to regain his status as a top contender and potentially make one last run at the title.
UFC Vegas 96 will be remembered as the night Caio Borralho announced himself as a serious threat in the middleweight division. His ability to outlast and outfight a veteran like Jared Cannonier in a five-round war speaks volumes about his potential. As Borralho continues to climb the ranks, fans can expect more exciting performances from “The Natural.” Meanwhile, Jared Cannonier, ever the warrior, will undoubtedly look to bounce back stronger in his next outing. The fight at UFC APEX was a testament to the toughness and skill of both fighters, providing a thrilling main event that fans won’t soon forget.
The Information is Collected from ESPN and Yahoo.
