Caio
Borralho has no doubt that Khamzat
Chimaev can dethrone Dricus Du
Plessis.
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Chimaev scored a dominant first-round submission win over Robert
Whittaker in the co-main event at UFC 308
on Oct. 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The performance might
have been enough to get the Chechen-born Swede the next title shot
at 185 pounds, which was previously promised to Sean
Strickland.
Borralho is very confident about the outcome of a potential clash
between Chimaev and Du Plessis. “The Natural” believes Du Plessis
will meet the same fate as Whittaker did against Chimaev, even if
it takes a little more time. While Du Plessis is arguably a better
wrestler than “Bobby Knuckles,” Borralho doesn’t think the South
African can hold his own on the ground against Chimaev.
“I definitely think Khamzat [will win]. I think it’ll be the same
as Robert,” Borralho told Submission Radio. “I know that Dricus has a
little bit more wrestling skills than Rob… I don’t think he can
have anyone that can mimic the wrestling of Khamzat. He doesn’t
know the system, he doesn’t know how it works — what Khamzat really
wants when he grabs you. So I definitely think it’s gonna be the
same thing as Rob. I don’t know if it’s gonna be that fast but
definitely I think it’s gonna be good win for Khamzat.”
Currently riding a seven-fight winning streak, Borralho could also
be on a collision course with Chimaev. However, Borralho has a good
relationship with Chimaev’s team, especially jiu-jitsu coach Allan
“Finfou” Nascimento, and would prefer avoiding that booking if
possible. But Borralho has already made it known to Nascimento that
he isn’t turning down a Chimaev booking if the UFC offers it.
“Khamzat Chimaev is definitely not a guy that I want to face… Just
because we’re friends,” Borralho said. “But I told his coach that
is a very good friend of mine, I told him, ‘If the UFC offers me
this fight, I will definitely fight. I’m going to accept.’ So just
letting you guys know that.”