Borralho Explains Accepting Risky Belgaroui Matchup

Caio Borralho is taking a rankings gamble to avoid ring rust.

The UFC middleweight contender will face unranked Yousri Belgaroui at UFC 334 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden, Sherdog reports. Borralho sits among the top-ranked 185-pounders while Belgaroui has no ranking, but the Brazilian said activity trumps resume building after emergency rib surgery kept him out nearly six months.

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Why Borralho Took The Belgaroui Fight Despite Ranking Risk

"I've been almost six months without fighting," Borralho told Sherdog. "I had to take some time off because I had to undergo emergency surgery on my rib. I want to stay active. I believe I'm one of the best in the world. Whoever they put in front of me, I'm going to have to prove that I'm one of the best in the world."

Borralho acknowledged the bout carries more downside than upside from a rankings standpoint. A win likely keeps him in place rather than pushing him up the ladder. But he framed the fight as a necessary step toward a title shot, telling Sherdog he plans to beat Belgaroui, move on to the next opponent, and then challenge for the belt.

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Borralho bounced back from his lone UFC loss to Nassourdine Imavov by stopping Reinier de Ridder in his most recent outing. He returns to the cage in New York in November.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Caio Borralho explains why he accepted risky UFC 334 matchup