From the first bell to the final horn, the Octagon became a battlefield for the UFC Vegas 96 main event where both warriors refused to give an inch. But in the end, it was Caio Borralho who stood tall, his hand raised in victory. Taking on Jared Cannonier, the no. 5 ranked middleweight, ‘The Natural’ faced the challenge of the former title contender head-on.

Demonstrating his insane toughness and impressive skills, the Brazilian put in a performance for the ages and walked away the winner via unanimous decision. His next target? In his post-fight interview, Borralho made it clear that Dricus Du Plessis has got another challenger gunning for his throne atop the 185 lbs. division. A challenge that Henry Cejudo is fully behind!

With a crucial win at UFC Vegas 96 secured, Caio Borralho has his eyes on Dricus Du Plessis’s title

The fight began with both fighters feeling each other out. Borralho however, demonstrated his fight IQ by targeting Cannonier with leg kicks, to take away the power coming his way. As the third round unfolded, the intensity only increased. Borralho, known for his relentless pressure, began to adjust. He fired back with a flurry of knees and check hooks, determined to find his rhythm.

The round was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters having their moments. But just as the round was closing, Borralho stunned Cannonier with a straight left that rocked him to his core. The Brazilian swarmed, trying to finish the fight, but Cannonier, with the heart of a lion, survived, stumbling back to his corner. The fourth round saw Cannonier seemingly recovered, landing big shots and timing his right hands perfectly. Borralho, however, wasn’t ready to give an inch.

In the fifth and final round, ‘The Natural’ found the shot he’d been looking for all fight. With a heavy one-two combination, the impact was immediate—Cannonier slumped to the floor, and Borralho seized the moment, unleashing a torrent of ground and pound. Borralho, sensing victory, locked in an arm triangle, but Cannonier refused to quit. Somehow, the American found a way to get back to his feet as the round ended, battered but unbowed.

With scores of 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46, Borralho had secured a hard-fought victory, one that would undoubtedly elevate his standing in the middleweight division. During his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, the Brazilian took aim at the champion Dricus Du Plessis and stated, “You know who I want next, I’ve been calling you out two times already… Dricus Du Plessis, get your a__ over here, or South Africa and the Fighting Nerds are coming for you boy!”

And despite UFC boss Dana White indicating that Sean Strickland is next in line for a shot at the belt, former ‘champ-champ’ Henry Cejudo thinks that ‘The Natural’ might find himself in the mix instead!

Henry Cejudo goes against UFC head honcho to support ‘The Natural’s middleweight title aspirations  

Before Dricus Du Plessis took on Israel Adesanya for the first defense of his middleweight crown at UFC 305, Dana White had already confirmed who the next opponent for the winner of the bout would be. Speaking to the media after DWCS (Dana White Contender Series 67), White affirmed, “He’s ranked No. 1 in the world… Strickland deserves it.”

With Du Plessis walking away victorious, it seemed a foregone conclusion that he’d rematch Strickland next. But after Caio Borralho’s incredible performance at UFC Vegas 96, Henry Cejudo has a different idea. His proposal? According to ‘Triple C’ in a post made on X, “Great fight! We have a new title challenger in the middle weight division! He’s got it all!”

Sean Strickland holds the number 1 spot in the 185 lbs. division currently and has previously indicated that he’ll only fight for the title next. But with Borralho’s performance at UFC Vegas 96 and Cejudo’s endorsement, the waters just got a little murkier. Could ‘The Natural’ find himself in a title fight sooner than expected? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!