Latest news with #CaioBorralho
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Khamzat Chimaev shuts down rumour around Dricus Du Plessis title fight at UFC 319
Khamzat Chimaev has dismissed a rumour that he could retire if he wins the middleweight title at UFC 319 this month. On 16 August, Chimaev will challenge champion Dricus Du Plessis in Chicago, as one of the UFC's most fearsome contenders finally gets a title shot after being slowed by injury and illness. With those setbacks in mind, back-up fighter Caio Borralho said in July that 'whispers' suggest Chimaev will call time on his career if he wins the gold. However, Chimaev has moved to dismiss that speculation, telling ESPN on Wednesday (6 August): 'Yeah, I've seen Caio said... I don't know where he hears those things. 'I need money, bro! This is not enough, just to go for the one title. 'Hopefully if I don't get injured or some stuff, I'm gonna defend the belt or fight for another belt in Abu Dhabi as well.' Chimaev, 31, has struggled with injuries and illness during his five-year UFC tenure, but when he has competed, he has been near-perfect. The Russian is 14-0 as a professional, 8-0 in the UFC, and holds wins over former champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker – the latter of whom he submitted in round one in October, crushing Whittaker's teeth in the process. Previously, there were rumours that Chimaev could not travel to the US, with the Russian having last competed stateside in 2022 and having fought in Abu Dhabi in his two bouts since then. However, he will return to US soil for UFC 319, where he faces Du Plessis in the main event. 'This wasn't my bad, wasn't my fault,' he said on Wednesday. 'Everyone knows I didn't have a Visa to the US. That's why I didn't fight [there]. So now, Donald Trump, he heard, so we go for a fight.' US president Trump is close friends with UFC president Dana White. If Du Plessis or Chimaev falls out of their fight in Chicago on short notice, Borralho will step in. The Brazilian, 32, alluded to a potential Chimaev retirement in July, telling MMA Today: 'I heard, somewhere, some people saying that if he wins the belt, he is gonna retire. 'Some little talks, some whispers, you know? If he wins the belt, he retires. I'm not sure of that, I don't know if I believe that or not, but it's an option. 'There's too much pressure on him. [He's had] health problems and a lot of pressure from his country. Maybe he retires, maybe not. 'He has a lot of money already, like a lot of money. He's good with money. He'd already be the champion [in this case], so why not retire? I'd do the same.' While Chimaev has been a scary force inside the Octagon, Du Plessis has been formidable. The South African, 31, has an overall record of 23-2 and is 9-0 in the UFC – with two title defences under his belt. Du Plessis won the middleweight title in January 2024 with a decision win over Sean Strickland, and he replicated that result to retain the strap this February. In between those fights, he submitted former champion Israel Adesanya in another successful title defence in August. Like Chimaev, 'Stillknocks' also holds a win over Whittaker, having scored a TKO of the ex-champion in 2023.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Khamzat Chimaev shuts down rumour around Dricus Du Plessis title fight at UFC 319
Khamzat Chimaev has dismissed a rumour that he could retire if he wins the middleweight title at UFC 319 this month. On 16 August, Chimaev will challenge champion Dricus Du Plessis in Chicago, as one of the UFC's most fearsome contenders finally gets a title shot after being slowed by injury and illness. With those setbacks in mind, back-up fighter Caio Borralho said in July that 'whispers' suggest Chimaev will call time on his career if he wins the gold. However, Chimaev has moved to dismiss that speculation, telling ESPN on Wednesday (6 August): 'Yeah, I've seen Caio said... I don't know where he hears those things. 'I need money, bro! This is not enough, just to go for the one title. 'Hopefully if I don't get injured or some stuff, I'm gonna defend the belt or fight for another belt in Abu Dhabi as well.' Chimaev, 31, has struggled with injuries and illness during his five-year UFC tenure, but when he has competed, he has been near-perfect. The Russian is 14-0 as a professional, 8-0 in the UFC, and holds wins over former champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker – the latter of whom he submitted in round one in October, crushing Whittaker's teeth in the process. Previously, there were rumours that Chimaev could not travel to the US, with the Russian having last competed stateside in 2022 and having fought in Abu Dhabi in his two bouts since then. However, he will return to US soil for UFC 319, where he faces Du Plessis in the main event. If Du Plessis or Chimaev falls out of the fight on short notice, though, Borralho will step in. The Brazilian, 32, alluded to a potential Chimaev retirement in July, telling MMA Today: 'I heard, somewhere, some people saying that if he wins the belt, he is gonna retire. 'Some little talks, some whispers, you know? If he wins the belt, he retires. I'm not sure of that, I don't know if I believe that or not, but it's an option. 'There's too much pressure on him. [He's had] health problems and a lot of pressure from his country. Maybe he retires, maybe not. 'He has a lot of money already, like a lot of money. He's good with money. He'd already be the champion [in this case], so why not retire? I'd do the same.' While Chimaev has been a scary force inside the Octagon, Du Plessis has been formidable. The South African, 31, has an overall record of 23-2 and is 9-0 in the UFC – with two title defences under his belt. Du Plessis won the middleweight title in January 2024 with a decision win over Sean Strickland, and he replicated that result to retain the strap this February. In between those fights, he submitted former champion Israel Adesanya in another successful title defence. Like Chimaev, 'Stillknocks' also holds a win over Whittaker, having scored a TKO of the ex-champion in 2023.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nassourdine Imavov explains declining UFC 319 backup: Caio Borralho 'taking my leftovers'
Nassourdine Imavov confirms he declined the UFC 319 title fight backup slot, but says it was for quality reasons. With his UFC Fight Night 258 main event on the horizon, Imavov (16-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) doesn't see much reward in traveling across the world, battling jet lag and cutting weight, only to likely not even fight in the end. He initially agreed to fill the role when it seemed the impending title fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev would happen in late Spring or early Summer. But after the timeline pushed, Imavov declined. Even the Sept. 2 showdown vs. Caio Borralho in Paris, he views as a bit of a placeholder, though a necessary one. "I was like, 'OK, if the title fight is in August and I have to be the backup, then I don't want to train for nothing. I don't want to train for nothing,'" Imavov told MMA Junkie on Tuesday through a French-language interpreter. "... So I was like, 'Maybe it's better to focus on Caio Borralho.' The UFC asked us a few weeks ago for me to come in the U.S. for the weigh-ins and everything. I said no because I have a fight that's scheduled three weeks later. So I don't have time to travel and have jet lag. I want to be in the best condition for my fight. That's why I said, 'No, I won't come. Maybe they'll put Caio at this place.' But right now, I'm only focusing on Caio in Paris. Bring him." Borralho (17-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) instead will weigh in Aug. 15 in Chicago. He proudly revealed the backup fighter designation himself on social media. To Imavov, the designation is no accolade, however. "For me, it's his problem," Imavov said. "He agreed to that because he was honored to be the backup, but he's just taking my leftovers because I declined. Otherwise, if I hadn't declined, the UFC wouldn't call him to be the backup. He has to understand this. In my mind, I hope he won't use it as excuses or dodge the fight. I will be ready Sept. 6 and he has to be ready. Because he has spoken a lot. No excuses. "Even for me, being the backup for a title shot it's not an honor for me. Because when I want to fight for the title, I want to have my face on the poster. Because what's he going to do? He's going to make weight and be in another (city) there in Chicago. No one will speak about him. He doesn't have any road at the end of the day and everyone will forget after the fight happens because Khamzat and DDP and everyone will forget Caio was the backup. It's something that doesn't have any sense. No one is speaking about the backup fighter." Title eliminator – no question, affirms Imavov Imavov says without question, if he gets through Borralho, he'll be the next UFC middleweight title challenger. He says the UFC has told him as much. A win would make it five victories in a row over top-10 opponents since February 2024. Other victories in the stretch include Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier, Brendan Allen, and Israel Adesanya. "It's very simple: I'm a complete fighter," Imavov said. "I consider myself as a complete fighter. So if it has to go to the ground, it'll go to the ground. I will welcome him to the ground. If it stays standing, it will be (better) and I will just demolish him. The thing is that I don't speak too much but when I fight, I want to bring a real show to my fans." "... He just wants to win the fight in this way, having a weird fight, a not interesting fight. That's not how I'm used to doing. For me, I'll make this fight in spectacular fashion. It's important for me to show people that I can make a boring fighter, a great fight." This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Nassourdine Imavov declined UFC 319 backup: Caio Borralho took my leftovers
USA Today
02-08-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho: Odds and what to know ahead of UFC Fight Night 258
Nassourdine Imavov, who has spent the majority of his adult life in France, will get the chance to headline in front of a passionate Paris crowd when he looked to end the more than 10-year undefeated streak of Caio Borralho in the UFC Fight Night 258 middleweight headliner. Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho preview Imavov, 30, is coming off his biggest win to date, a knockout of former champion Israel Adesanya in February. He has suffered just one defeat in his past nine fights dating back to February 2021, and is No. 4 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie middleweight rankings. Borralho, 32, hasn't competed since a Fight of the Night main event win over Jared Cannonier in August 2024. The Brazilian is unbeaten in his past 17 fights since July 2015, and is currently ranked No. 8. Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho odds According to Bovada, Imavov is a slight -150 favorite to hold serve as the higher-ranked fight against Borralho, who is a +130 underdog. How to watch Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho at UFC Fight Night 258 Where: Accor Arena, Paris, France Broadcast/streaming: ESPN+ When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Veteran UFC Fighter Ben Askren's Wife Debunks Death Rumors Amid Health Battle
Veteran UFC Fighter Ben Askren's Wife Debunks Death Rumors Amid Health Battle originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The MMA and wrestling communities have rallied around former UFC fighter Ben Askren after it was announced by his wife, Amy Askren, that he was in critical condition. The 40-year-old fighter, known for his dominant wrestling and memorable UFC stint, was admitted to the hospital on June 7 after developing a sudden and severe case of pneumonia, which left him unresponsive. Advertisement While the community has monitored the situation and extended support while respecting his family's request for privacy, unfortunately, rumors popped up that he had passed away. UFC OctagonGetty Former UFC fighter and Bellator champion Ben Askren remains in a critical health condition after being hospitalized with severe pneumonia, and his wife, Amy Askren, has forcefully denied false rumors circulating online that he had passed. Amy Askren and other loved ones sent to a message to TMZ to clarify her husband's condition, writing, 'He is alive and any rumor he has died is completely false.' Askren in particular emphasized that Ben is 'definitely still fighting' for his life and requested continued prayers from fans and the MMA community. Advertisement Ben AskrenGetty Images The false death rumors gained traction after a misinterpretation by current UFC middleweight Caio Borralho. The fighter sparked confusion and controversy when he mistakenly posted an "R.I.P." message for Ben Askren on X, believing the MMA veteran had passed away. The post has now been deleted. Borralho, whose first language is Portuguese, misinterpreted a black-and-white tribute post from Maycee Barber, assuming it signaled Askren's death rather than a show of support during his critical health battle with pneumonia. Further comments made by Askren's close friend and podcast co-host, Daniel Cormier, made the situation even more confusing. Advertisement Initially, Cormier stated on his YouTube channel that Askren was back home in Wisconsin with his family, leading some to believe he had recovered. However, Cormier later clarified on X that Askren was transferred to a Wisconsin hospital but remains under medical care. Ben Askren's condition remains serious, but his family and friends remain hopeful. The broader MMA community will continue to monitor updates directly from the Askren family, awaiting further developments in his recovery. Related: MMA and Wrestling Community Rallies Around UFC Veteran in Critical Condition Related: Olympic Champion, WWE Wrestler, and NFL Hopeful Eyes UFC Debut and Meeting with Dana White This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
