Caio Borralho has no doubt that Khamzat Chimaev can dethrone Dricus Du Plessis.
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.”
