Robert Whittaker Said No to Me… But Took RDR Fight Instead, Says UFC Contender
Undefeated UFC middleweight Caio Borralho isn’t holding back ahead of his UFC Paris main event especially when it comes to how he feels about Robert Whittaker’s latest booking.
Borralho, who’s been chasing a fight for nearly a year, claims Whittaker initially turned him down due to injury only to later accept a bout against Reinier de Ridder.
“He told the UFC he couldn’t fight me because of his jaw,” Borralho said. “Then out of nowhere, he agrees to fight RDR? That doesn’t make sense.”
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“I respect Whittaker, but I don’t respect this move”
Borralho made it clear he respects Whittaker’s legendary status but questioned the logic behind facing a non-UFC newcomer like de Ridder.
“RDR is unproven at this level. Whittaker goes from dodging me to fighting a guy with one UFC fight? Come on.”
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Borralho believes his own UFC résumé which includes dominant wins over Jared Cannonier, Abus Magomedov, and Paul Craig has earned him a shot at the division’s elite.
“I’ve dominated. He’s struggled.”
Caio says the math is simple.
“Look at my fights. I’ve dominated everyone. Even my closest fight — against Cannonier — I still won clearly. I haven’t lost in nearly 10 years.”
Meanwhile, he questioned Whittaker’s momentum and said the timing of his “jaw injury” felt convenient.
“When it was me, he said he needed more time. But when it was RDR, suddenly he’s ready?”
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“Imavov isn’t truly French — I’m fighting for the people of France”
As he prepares to face Nassourdine Imavov in Paris, Borralho has leaned into symbolism, even comparing himself to Napoleon.
“Imavov uses the French flag. But he’s Russian. I respect France’s history. I’ll represent them proudly — and I’ll avenge their loss to Russia.”
He added:
“I’m the real contender. 7–0 in the UFC, 10 years unbeaten. Imavov is just holding the spot.”
What happens in Paris could shake up the title race
Borralho says the UFC Paris main event should determine the next title challenger — especially with the upcoming clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev stealing headlines at UFC 319.
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As for how the fight with Imavov plays out?
“He’ll get emotional. I’ll pressure him. I’ll punch him in the face — a lot. He can’t handle it. He never could. I’m going to knock him out. Simple.”
