Caio Borralho Sends Warning to Imavov: Fight Me or Watch Me Take the Title

Caio Borralho Calls Out Nassourdine Imavov

Wants Title Shot if Bout Falls Through

Caio Borralho’s UFC career has been nothing short of remarkable. Since debuting in the promotion, the Brazilian middleweight has compiled a pristine 7-0 record, making him one of the most exciting rising stars in the division.¹

Known for his cerebral fighting style, elite grappling, and calculated striking, Borralho has earned the nickname “The Natural,” showcasing both consistency and evolution with each bout.

His latest victory—a dominant unanimous decision over former title challenger Jared Cannonier—solidified his status as a legitimate contender.

In a division stacked with talent, defeating someone of Cannonier’s caliber is no small feat. For Borralho, it was not just a win; it was a statement.

Guys I didn’t announce anything. I didn’t said: Ben askren is dead. I just said rip cause that’s what I would wish for anyone of the community if this happens. It was just a sincere feeling. Thanks God I was wrong and now I wish a speedy recovery for him and still praying for him…

— Caio Borralho (@BorralhoCaio) June 12, 2025

Target Locked: Nassourdine Imavov

Following his triumph over Cannonier, Borralho has set his sights squarely on Nassourdine Imavov, a French-Russian striker who is also on a notable run.

Imavov, riding high on a four-fight win streak, recently stunned the MMA world with a spectacular knockout victory over none other than Israel Adesanya, the former middleweight champion.

That win instantly catapulted Imavov into the title conversation. His striking precision, movement, and ability to adapt mid-fight have made him a fan favorite and a nightmare matchup for many in the division.

Borralho, however, believes he’s the man to test Imavov’s mettle—and has been calling him out with growing urgency.

Caio Borralho: The Callout “He is Running”

In a recent interview with Home of Fight, Borralho didn’t mince words when discussing Imavov.²

He openly accused him of dodging their potential showdown:

“Everybody knows what I want next, I want Imavov next or the belt. I think that is the fight that makes sense. He is the No.1 [ranked] contender. He is running, I don’t know why, because he is a great fighter.”

Borralho clarified that he respects Imavov’s skills and credentials but cannot understand why a fight hasn’t been signed.

The Brazilian’s frustration seems rooted not in fear or rivalry, but in a desire for competitive fairness and career progression.

A Clash of Styles: What Would Borralho vs. Imavov Look Like?

Should the UFC book this matchup, it would be a fascinating stylistic clash. Borralho’s grappling-heavy approach, high fight IQ, and ground control would be tested against Imavov’s slick striking, footwork, and power.

Borralho may look to close the distance early and initiate grappling exchanges to neutralize Imavov’s striking threat.

On the other hand, Imavov would likely use lateral movement and quick combinations to keep Borralho at bay.

Both men have shown adaptability, which means the fight could become a battle of adjustments and endurance.

It’s a matchup that would captivate hardcore fans and casual viewers alike—two surging contenders on a collision course, with a title shot likely hanging in the balance.

The Title Aspirations: Eyes on Gold

While Borralho remains hopeful for a fight against Imavov, he also made it clear that he won’t wait forever. If Imavov continues to be unavailable, Borralho believes a direct title shot would be the most logical step.

“I’m still waiting for this fight, I hope the UFC makes it.”

With the middleweight division currently in flux and top contenders constantly shifting, Borralho’s call for a title shot may not be as far-fetched as it seems.

His unbeaten record in the UFC and recent win over a respected veteran like Cannonier gives him a strong case. If Imavov is unwilling to engage, Borralho may very well leapfrog him in the queue.

Nassourdine Imavov’s Position: Silence or Strategy?

• What makes this story more intriguing is Imavov’s relative silence. Despite his win over Adesanya and growing buzz around his name, he hasn’t responded directly to Borralho’s callouts.
• This opens the door to speculation: Is Imavov negotiating for a title shot of his own? Is he dealing with injuries? Or is he deliberately avoiding Borralho’s dangerous style?
• Imavov, known for his calm demeanor and measured words, may simply be waiting for the right opportunity.
• However, the longer he avoids the Borralho matchup, the louder the accusations of “ducking” will grow.
• As is often the case in high-stakes matchups, the UFC’s matchmaking team will play a crucial role. The promotion must decide whether to give Borralho what he wants, match him with another top contender, or even elevate him to a title bout directly.
• Given the excitement surrounding both Borralho and Imavov, the UFC could capitalize on the momentum by booking the fight as a title eliminator or even for interim gold, especially if the reigning champion is unavailable.

Caio Borralho: Fans Reaction

Fans have taken notice of Borralho’s campaign. MMA forums and Twitter/X have lit up with debates about whether Imavov is avoiding the fight or simply biding his time.³

Some argue that Borralho hasn’t done enough to earn a title shot just yet, while others point to his undefeated record and recent win over Cannonier as undeniable evidence that he’s ready.

This growing fan interest adds more pressure on the UFC to give the fans what they want. Matchups like Borralho vs. Imavov aren’t just important for rankings—they’re the kind of fights that generate lasting narratives.

Possible Scenarios: What Happens Next?

Here are a few potential directions the middleweight division could take:

1. Borralho vs. Imavov Gets Booked: This seems like the most logical next step and could headline a Fight Night or feature on a pay-per-view main card.

2. Borralho Gets a Title Shot: If the UFC views him as the next fresh face deserving a chance at gold, especially if the champion needs a challenger soon.

3. Imavov Gets a Title Shot Instead: If the UFC decides Imavov’s win over Adesanya warrants immediate contention, Borralho may be forced to face another contender like Marvin Vettori or Sean Strickland.

4. Interim Title Fight: If the middleweight belt is tied up due to injury or inactivity, the UFC could book Borralho vs. Imavov as a five-round interim title showdown.

Caio Borralho Blasts Nassourdine Imavov and Questions His Dagestani Roots

UFC middleweight contender Caio Borralho lit up the MMA community with scathing remarks directed at fellow fighter Nassourdine Imavov.

In a candid street-side interview with FULL SEND MMA, Borralho held nothing back, voicing harsh criticism of Imavov’s recent performances and questioning his identity—both as a fighter and as a supposed Dagestani.

The fiery rant immediately drew attention from fans and pundits, stirring up heated discussions about respect, national pride, and the nature of competition in mixed martial arts.

Downplaying Recent Victories: “Nothing to Be Proud Of”

Borralho’s main point of contention revolved around Imavov’s recent string of wins, notably his finishes over Jared Cannonier and Israel Adesanya.

While these victories had elevated Imavov’s stock in the middleweight division, Borralho offered a harsh counter-narrative.

“People say like oh — he finished Cannonier, [that] was an early fckng finish and he was losing the fight. After that, oh — he finished Adesanya. Okay, it was a great job, but he was getting pieced up in the first round by a guy [that had] three straight losses.”

By highlighting Adesanya’s poor recent form and claiming that the Cannonier stoppage was premature, Borralho tried to strip away any sense of legitimacy from Imavov’s rise.

His take implies that Imavov’s success is more about favorable circumstances than elite skill.

 

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Attacking the Man, Not Just the Fighter

The most controversial aspect of Borralho’s rant came when he questioned Imavov’s Dagestani identity.

The term “Dagestani” in MMA circles carries a lot of weight—it conjures images of tough, disciplined warriors like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, fighters forged through hardship and relentless training.

“I heard [that] this guy is kind of a Dagestani. I think that the Dagestani people are ashamed of him… But this guy is a fckng pussy. He is not Dagestani.”

By using such language, Borralho essentially suggested that Imavov doesn’t embody the core characteristics typically associated with fighters from Dagestan.

In doing so, he not only questioned Imavov’s toughness but also disrespected an entire cultural identity—something that struck a nerve within the MMA world.

The Weight of the Dagestani Identity in MMA

Dagestani fighters have carved out a fearsome reputation in the UFC and other promotions.

Known for their grappling-heavy style, discipline, and warrior spirit, many fighters from this region are viewed as near-unbreakable competitors. So, Borralho’s jab was more than just trash talk—it was a calculated shot at a broader legacy.

Imavov, who was born in Dagestan but represents France in competition, has not been closely associated with the traditional Dagestani training system.

Still, Borralho’s critique goes beyond fighting style and questions Imavov’s heart and character—something that could deeply offend fighters who take pride in their heritage.

Caio Borralho’s Path Forward: Risk vs. Reward

By going after Imavov so publicly, Caio Borralho has added pressure to his own UFC journey.

If he loses his next fight or fails to back up his words, he could become a target for mockery and criticism himself.

Fighters who talk big are often expected to walk the walk—and anything less than stellar performances will be harshly judged.

On the other hand, if Borralho continues to win and eventually earns a matchup with Imavov, he could elevate himself into top contender status. For now, he’s managed to generate headlines and make himself a talking point—something many fighters struggle to achieve.

UFC’s Take: Will Dana White Book the Fight?

There’s a decent chance that UFC President Dana White is paying attention to this new feud. The promotion loves animosity, and a fight with this much backstory practically markets itself.

A grudge match between Borralho and Imavov could easily find its way onto a Fight Night main event or a pay-per-view undercard.

White has never shied away from booking fights with real tension, especially when it stems from nationality, honor, or personality clashes. This situation checks all those boxes.

Cultural Sensitivity vs. Competitive Hype

Borralho’s comments raise larger questions about where the line is drawn in the fight game.

Trash talk is part of the sport, but when it crosses into territory that insults cultural identities or questions someone’s heritage, it becomes much more than just pre-fight banter.

In an increasingly global sport like MMA, where fighters come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, the UFC and its athletes may need to reflect on how far is too far when selling a fight.