Caio Borralho has offered his perspective on the highly anticipated UFC 319 main event where the reigning middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis will face the unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev. Borralho expects Chimaev to quickly overcome du Plessis and claim the UFC middleweight title.
He pointed to Chimaev’s performance at UFC 308, where ‘Borz’ submitted former champion Robert Whittaker in the opening round with a rear-naked choke combined with a face crank, anticipating a similar level of dominance against du Plessis later this month. Borralho recognizes du Plessis’ physical advantages but remains confident in Chimaev’s ability to impose pressure early in the fight.
In a recent discussion with The Schmo, Borralho said:
“I always bet against DDP, and he always shut my mouth. But I’m feeling like this can be a fight as fast as the fight with Khamzat and Whittaker, like a finish in the first round or the beginning of the second round. 60% of me says Khamzat will finish this fight real fast, but 40% says that Dricus, with his size and weight, and height… He can stop the takedown, can survive the first two rounds and then the fight gets better for him.”
—Caio Borralho, MMA Fighter
Caio Borralho Addresses Retirement Speculation Surrounding Khamzat Chimaev
As Khamzat Chimaev prepares for his UFC title challenge, Caio Borralho has revealed he has come across rumors suggesting Chimaev might retire after winning the middleweight belt. These whispers have circulated due to Chimaev’s recent struggles with COVID-19 and significant injuries, which have limited his time inside the octagon.
During an interview with MMA Hoje, Borralho commented on these retirement talks with a sense of caution and reflection.
“I heard somewhere, some people are saying that if he wins the belt, he’s going to retire. There are some little talks, some whispers. Some whispers that if he wins the belt, he will retire. You know, I’m not sure of that. I don’t know if I believe that or not, but it’s an option.”
—Caio Borralho, MMA Fighter
He also highlighted Chimaev’s financial security as a factor that could influence his decision:
“He has a lot of money already. Like a lot of money. He’s good with money… Why not retire? I would do the same.”
—Caio Borralho, MMA Fighter
Implications of Chimaev’s Potential UFC Middleweight Reign and Retirement
Khamzat Chimaev’s quest for the UFC middleweight title is viewed with considerable intrigue not only because of his undefeated status but also due to the impact his victory and potential retirement could have on the division. If he defeats Dricus du Plessis as Borralho predicts, the middleweight landscape could shift dramatically. However, Chimaev’s possible early exit from the sport would leave fans and officials wondering about the future of the championship.
Borralho’s reflections underscore the delicate balance between an athlete’s ambition, physical health, and financial considerations. As UFC 319 approaches, the fight’s outcome and Chimaev’s subsequent career choices remain critical to the sport’s narrative, with many watching closely to see if these retirement rumors hold any truth.