ABU DHABI – Sure, Caio Borralho is on Combat Island for UFC 308 battle week. However, no, he’s not there to weigh in as a backup for the co-headliner between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev.
Nonetheless, Borralho might quickly be combating one other former UFC middleweight champion.
On Tuesday, Borralho revealed to MMA Junkie that discussions are ongoing for him to battle Israel Adesanya this coming February at UFC 312 in Sydney.
“I need to battle Izzy. We’re in talks with UFC, however nothing confirmed but,” Borralho mentioned. “However that’s the battle we would like. I feel that’s the battle that is sensible. Adesanya already fought all the blokes from (the) high 5. Simply me and (Nassourdine) Imavov he didn’t battle, however Imavov didn’t (have) a very good battle final time, so I feel they’re interested by me. Let’s see what the UFC desires.”
The pairing does appear to make sense. Borralho, who’s No. 6 within the newest USA TODAY Sports activities/MMA Junkie rankings at 185 kilos, seemingly is in line for a serious alternative after successful a five-round unanimous choice in opposition to former title challenger Jared Cannonier. The outcome, which earned the 2021 Dana White’s Contender Collection alum a Combat of the Night time bonus this previous August, pushed Borralho’s general successful streak to 16 fights, which features a 7-0 begin within the UFC.
The thought of combating Adesanya (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) excites Borralho greater than something.
“Plenty of respect for Izzy, you recognize. I need to battle the most effective on the planet, and I feel he’s a legend, top-of-the-line on the planet. I need to check myself in opposition to him,” Borralho mentioned.
Adesanya, 35, who dominated the middleweight division for practically three years, has hit a tough patch in his profession, having misplaced three of his previous 4 bouts. That features a one-sided choice in opposition to Sean Strickland and most not too long ago a submission loss to champion Dricus Du Plessis.
Whereas some would possibly view Adesanya on the decline, Borralho wouldn’t take the chance as a right.
“He was an ideal champion. He all the time has good factors,” Borralho mentioned. “I don’t know if he’s weak or something like that. I don’t have something with it. If we fought, I’m going with 100% energy. I’m going with 100% making an attempt to complete him, and I’ll do it.”
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