Borralho Says Chimaev Doesn't Deserve Title Shot

Caio Borralho does not believe Khamzat Chimaev should receive the next UFC middleweight title shot.

Borralho, who is targeting a November or December return after recovering from a rib injury that scratched his scheduled bout with Joe Pyfer at UFC 330, told MMA Fighting that Nassourdine Imavov deserves the championship opportunity ahead of the former titleholder. The Brazilian argued that Chimaev is coming off a loss and has not earned his way back to the belt.

Borralho Backs Imavov For Strickland Rematch

"I think Imavov deserves the title next," Borralho said, per MMA Fighting. "He already has a history with Strickland, that he lost in a heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight fight, in a short-notice fight for Strickland and I think he did everything that he needed to deserve the title shot, so I think he needs to be the one next."

Borralho, who has already resumed full training and expects to begin camp in the coming weeks, estimated he needs one or two more victories before challenging for the championship himself. He is open to rebooking the Pyfer fight but would prefer a higher-ranked opponent. Brendan Allen also sits in his sights as a potential next matchup.

The middleweight contender believes anyone in the top tier of the division who wins their next fight could be in line for a title shot. Borralho's only UFC loss came to Imavov, the same fighter he now endorses for a crack at Sean Strickland's belt.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Caio Borralho says Khamzat Chimaev doesn't deserve UFC title shot