Caio Borralho has been confirmed as the backup fighter for the UFC 319 middleweight championship bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis, set to take place on August 16 in Chicago. Originally expected to be Nassourdine Imavov, Borralho will serve as the reserve, prepared to step in if needed at the event.
Borralho’s Commitment and Upcoming Match Schedule
Borralho shared on social media that he will weigh in at 185 pounds the day before UFC 319 to remain ready as the substitute competitor. Despite this role, he is scheduled to compete against Nassourdine Imavov three weeks later in the UFC Paris main event. Speaking to MMA Fighting, Borralho expressed his readiness and willingness to fight on short notice.
“Whenever the UFC calls, I’ll answer and be ready,”
Borralho stated.
“See you in Chicago. Dricus and Chimaev, if you guys want to rest… I’m ready to fight!”
—Caio Borralho, UFC Fighter
Change in Backup Fighter Plans and Borralho’s UFC Rise
Imavov was initially set to be the backup but his agreement to face Borralho in France altered the situation. Borralho has built momentum since joining the UFC in 2022, holding a 17-1 professional record and winning seven consecutive fights. Notably, he secured performance bonuses for victories over Paul Craig and Jared Cannonier earlier this year.
Main Event Contenders’ Backgrounds and Stakes at UFC 319
Dricus Du Plessis is defending his middleweight title for the third time after submitting Israel Adesanya and defeating Sean Strickland in a rematch earlier this year. Khamzat Chimaev enters the fight undefeated at 14-0, earning a title shot following an impressive first-round submission victory over Robert Whittaker last October.
Significance of Borralho’s Role and UFC 319 Outlook
Borralho’s inclusion as the official backup fighter adds depth and security to the UFC 319 event, ensuring the championship fight can proceed seamlessly regardless of unforeseen circumstances. His readiness to compete on short notice reflects the high stakes and unpredictable nature of UFC title bouts, while his upcoming bout against Imavov will further showcase his rising status within the organization.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Khamzat Chimaev a millionaire?
A. Currently, Khamzat Chimaev has a net worth of around $3 million. At 30 years old, he is very famous in Russia. Chimaev, an MMA star, has never lost, winning all 14 of his professional matches, with 12 victories coming before the final bell.
Q. Is Khamzat Chimaev rich?
A. Khamzat Chimaev has a net worth of over $3 million.
Q. Why was Khamzat Chimaev cancelled?
A. But on February 11th, UFC president Dana White stated that the fight was canceled again because Chimaev was still experiencing lasting COVID-19 symptoms.
Q. Why did Khamzat Chimaev cancel?
A. The UFC planned Chimaev’s first main event fight against Leon Edwards, a top welterweight contender. This fight was set to happen three times between December 2020 and March 2021. However, each time it was postponed because Chimaev faced complications from COVID-19.