Across an illustrious UFC career that has spanned nearly a decade and three different weight classes, fifth-ranked Middleweight contender Jared Cannonier has never failed to excite and impress. But as we approach his scheduled headliner with surging Brazilian Caio Borralho at the UFC Apex, the Killa Gorilla finds himself on the comeback trail, following a lacklustre outing last time out in his TKO defeat to Nassourdine Imavov just 10 weeks ago. It seems obvious that the sun is setting on the now 40-year-old career, so tomorrow night could signal the beginning of one final run at UFC gold or the onset of decline
His opponent, 31-year-old Borralho, is a picturesque example of a modern-day mixed martial artist. Boasting a perfect 6-0 record within the UFC and an overall unbeaten run that spans back over 9 years, the Natural is a bona-fide contender within the thriving 185-pound ranks. Not too dissimilar to Imavov as far as it comes to stature and well-roundedness, the talented Brazilian will be hoping to pass this high-stakes litmus test and step up onto the periphery of title contention. By no means is this a step down in competition for Cannonier, in fact, Borralho’s varied and devastating arsenal has placed him as upwards of a 2.5/1 favourite to taste victory on Saturday evening.
Cannonier’s UFC archive is filled with memorable outings. His stoppages of Jack Hermansson, Derek Brunson and even the great Anderson Silva. His brutal beatdown of Marvin Vettori last summer. The 25-minute humdinger with soon-to-be Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland. All showcases his unique blend of venomous power and ice-cold composure. The division is thriving. Champion Dricus du Plessis is hitting his peak, with former foe Strickland eyeing his rematch with the South African. Whittaker and Chimaev will both have gold on their minds heading into their bout in October, and the likes of Allen, Costa, Dolidze and Michel Pereira will all fancy their chances of mounting a challenge. That’s without evening mentioning Adesanya or a possible permanent move to 185 for Kamaru Usman.
Every fight is pivotal when you reach the pinnacle of the sport, but the position Jared Cannonier finds himself in is both precarious and intriguing. A statement-making showing at the expense of Caio Borralho could lead to another shot at the belt in the near future, but a defeat would see the veteran fall further down the ladder and make those championship aspirations seem bleak.
Photo Credit – UFC, ESPN
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