Brazilian middleweight Caio Borralho has set his sights on an ambitious summer matchup following his impressive comeback victory at UFC 326. Fresh off a dominant win over Reinier de Ridder in Las Vegas, the fighter has publicly called out Dricus Du Plessis, hoping to secure a pivotal bout that could propel him toward title contention. However, recovery takes priority, as the promotion has advised him to properly heal before stepping back into the octagon.
The Comeback Statement at UFC 326
Borralho's victory over de Ridder at UFC 326 represents far more than a single win in the middleweight ranks. For the Brazilian fighter, it marks a significant redemptive moment following his initial setback against Nassourdine Imavov in his UFC debut. That loss had raised questions about his readiness for elite competition, making this recent performance all the more crucial to his trajectory.
The UFC leadership took notice of his showing, impressed by both his technical execution and mental resilience. His ability to overcome adversity—both in preparation and during the bout itself—demonstrated the kind of championship mentality that catches the attention of promoters. The promotion's confidence in Borralho's potential has been clearly communicated, with officials indicating he remains firmly in the mix for significant matchups moving forward.
Despite the positive result, the UFC has prioritized his long-term health, requesting that he take adequate time to recover from injuries sustained during the fight. This measured approach reflects the promotion's investment in his development as a serious middleweight contender.
The Call-Out: Strategic Positioning Against a Former Champion
In the immediate aftermath of UFC 326, Borralho made his intentions known by targeting Dricus Du Plessis, the former UFC middleweight champion. This wasn't a random selection but rather a calculated strategic move designed to maximize the impact of his next victory. Du Plessis represents the exact caliber of opponent needed to legitimize Borralho's championship credentials.
Du Plessis remains sidelined since his title loss to Khamzat Chimaev, leaving a significant opening in the middleweight landscape. The South African veteran's prolonged absence from competition could work in Borralho's favor, potentially creating a matchup window during the summer months. A victory over a fighter of Du Plessis' pedigree—nine consecutive UFC wins, multiple title defenses, and notable scalps including Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland—would essentially guarantee Borralho's place on the title conversation.
Borralho articulated this strategic vision clearly, noting that defeating a champion of Du Plessis' stature would position him right at the doorstep for a future title shot. The mathematics are straightforward: elite opponent plus elite performance equals championship opportunity.
Fighting Through Adversity: The Injury Battle
The path to Borralho's victory at UFC 326 proved unexpectedly treacherous. During training camp, he suffered a displaced rib cartilage injury while defending against a guillotine choke—an incident he described as something unthinkable. The moment remains vivid in his memory: the unmistakable pop that signaled serious damage, followed by immediate recognition that his preparation would fundamentally change.
The final two weeks before the fight transformed into what Borralho characterizes as a nightmare scenario. Breathing became painful, simple movements aggravated the injury, and the mental burden of competing while injured weighed heavily. Yet despite these circumstances, he never seriously considered withdrawal. His camp had been executed to perfection, and abandoning the opportunity would have meant surrendering months of preparation to misfortune.
During the bout against de Ridder, Borralho employed a grappling-heavy approach partly to manage his pain levels. By dominating top position and controlling the fight's pace, he minimized the explosive movements that would inflame his injury while still pursuing a finish. His willingness to battle through genuine physical suffering speaks to his determination and competitive character—qualities essential for title-level competition.
Du Plessis: A Championship Resume Worth Exploiting
Dricus Du Plessis carries the credentials of a legitimate middleweight champion. His perfect 9-0 run in the UFC before losing to Khamzat Chimaev included three successful title defenses, victories over top-tier competition, and a remarkable ability to weather adversity. Notably, Du Plessis hasn't been finished in nearly eight years, dating back to his KSW welterweight title loss to Roberto Soldic—a testament to his durability and chin.
However, Du Plessis' extended absence from competition creates a unique circumstantial advantage for potential challengers. Timing matters in combat sports, and a fighter returning from significant ring time often faces adjustment periods. Borralho recognizes this opportunity, publicly suggesting that June or July would be ideal timing for their potential clash.
From Borralho's perspective, the pathway seems clear: secure a win against a former champion returning from layoff, demonstrate continued improvement, and enter the title picture ahead of the next championship contender. Du Plessis' layoff and Borralho's momentum could align perfectly in summer.
The Striking Arsenal: Knockout Ambitions and Technical Superiority
Beyond the strategic elements, Borralho has identified specific technical matchup advantages that make Du Plessis an attractive target. He has evolved noticeably as a striker, increasingly confident in his boxing abilities and tactical approach to standup exchanges. This evolution represents a critical development for his future success at elite levels.
Borralho possesses five knockout victories across his 18 professional MMA wins, including one UFC knockout against Paul Craig. While his knockout rate may not seem overwhelming, his recent emphasis on striking development suggests he views his punching power as an underrated asset. He has expressed specific interest in exploiting what he perceives as defensive vulnerabilities in Du Plessis' standup game, believing his boxing mechanics could be the key to finishing a notoriously durable opponent.
The promise of a knockout isn't merely bravado. Borralho has identified genuine technical gaps in Du Plessis' defensive structure that align with his particular skill set. Whether he can execute on this blueprint remains uncertain, but the confidence he brings to the matchup suggests genuine belief in his striking capabilities moving forward.