Top UFC middleweight Caio Borralho has expressed his willingness to forgo his scheduled fight against Nassourdine Imavov on September 6 in Paris at UFC Fight Night 258 in favor of a matchup with the new division champion, Khamzat Chimaev.
On August 17 at UFC 319, Chimaev secured a unanimous decision victory over Dricus Du Plessis. After the event, UFC president Dana White announced that he would consider organizing Chimaev's first title defense on October 25 in Abu Dhabi at UFC 321.
To be honest with you, if UFC comes to me right now and says, 'F*ck Imavov. He's a guy that gives us a lot of work. He didn't want to fight on International Fight Week. He called the backup "leftovers." He don't respect the UFC. So f*ck Imavov. F*ck Paris. Get prepared to fight Khamzat in Abu Dhabi in October,' I'm ready. If UFC offers me this, I'll say yes right away.
Borralho last fought in August 2024 at UFC on ESPN 62, where he defeated Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision. His professional record stands at 17 wins and one loss, with one bout declared a no contest.
Imavov last entered the octagon in February 2025 at UFC Fight Night 250, where he won against Israel Adesanya via technical knockout in the second round. His record includes 16 wins and four losses, with one fight also declared a no contest.
