Cannonier v Borralho betting picks & odds | UFC Fight Night

Veteran middleweight Jared Cannonier and up-and-coming prospect Caio Borralho will headline Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas. While the younger Borralho is favoured on the back of a 16-fight unbeaten streak, he must handle the bright lights and pressure of a main event. Read on for our fight preview and betting strategy.

Cannonier v Borralho fight analysis

Jared Cannonier vs Caio Borralho

Jared Cannonier (17-7-0) challenged for the middleweight title in 2022, losing a lopsided decision to Israel Adesanya. He bounced back from the disappointment with successive wins, prevailing over the highly ranked Sean Strickland and Marvin Vettori. The 40-year-old had this momentum broken in his most recent bout, suffering a fourth-round knockout to Nassourdine Imavov after competitive opening exchanges.

Cannonier is a powerful striker but has landed just one knockout win from his last seven UFC appearances. His record with the judges is only fair, with five wins and four losses across his professional career. His cardio endurance can wane late in rounds, and given his age, Cannonier enters this bout as a betting outsider with leading UFC bookmakers.

Caio Borralho (16-1-0) has not lost since 2015, and he comes into this clash off a knockout win over Paul Craig that earned a Performance of the Night bonus. The 31-year-old has competed in the light heavyweight and middleweight divisions and cuts a huge figure at 185 pounds. Borralho is ranked 12th at middleweight, and an impressive win here would catapult him into the top five and within striking distance of a title shot.

Borralho boasts a black belt in BJJ and four submission victories on his record and may be inclined to take this contest to the mat if threatened. During the standup, the Brazilian’s agility and footwork should keep him out of harm’s way, but Cannonier will present moments of danger. Borralho has not faced an opponent with championship experience, but he looks ready to break into the elite ranks at middleweight.

Cannonier v Borralho UFC predictions

It is hard to look past the favourite given his recent form and physical advantages. This may be a tactical battle that lasts the distance, which should suit the younger and fresher man. Cannonier can unload heavy ground-and-pound if he can find top position, but Borralho should be too slick in the grappling department to fall into that trap.

Cannonier might start out as the more active and aggressive fighter, but his output tends to slow in the latter rounds, where Borralho can pile on the points. Borralho is the tip, either by knockout or decision, depending on whether you think Cannonier can last until the final bell.

Sports betting picks