Borralho outlasts Cannonier in epic at UFC Fight Night

Caio Borralho has fired a warning shot at the rest of the UFC middleweight division, putting together the best performance of his career to beat No.5 ranked Jared Cannonier at the UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas.

Borralho excelled on all fronts against Cannonier, landing numerous significant strikes that shook the American across the course of the 25-minute fight.

The Brazilian winning by decision was the most popular method of victory at most UFC bookmakers ahead of the fight, and that is exactly how the evening’s main event unfolded.

Judges had Borralho winning four of the five rounds, as he was tentative in the opener, got wobbled in the second, but then found his mark across the next three rounds.

“Tuesday, my name better be in the top five,” declared Borralho after the victory.

“I’m the new face (of the middleweight division), even with some scratches.

“Everybody that sees these glasses must be afraid, because we are The Fighting Nerds.

“We’re coming to take over!”

Borralho victory well received by fellow fighters

Borralho’s impressive performance went down well with his peers, with the Brazilian receiving praise online from other fighters and voices in the sport.

“Caio is here to stay!” said UFC featherweight Aljamain Sterling.

“Great fight! We have a new title challenger in the middle weight division! He’s got it all!” declared No.6 ranked bantamweight Henry Cejudo.

Cejudo even went as far as declaring that Borralho “should ask for Adesanya next”.

Other action at UFC Vegas 96 saw Tabatha Ricci defeat Angela Hill by decision in the co-main event, while Ryan Loder upset Robert Valentin with a second-round knockout.

UFC betting sites had Valentin as the -142.86 favourite, but Loder made his odds of +140 pay with a vicious ground and pound to pull off the upset.

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