You have to hand it to the 29-year-old Borralho.
Last season on Dana White’s Contender Series, the Brazilian secured a unanimous decision win over respected CFFC middleweight champ Aaron Jeffrey in Week 5 but didn’t secure a contract. Instead of being discouraged, he lobbied for a second chance to impress the UFC President, stuck around Las Vegas, and returned three weeks later, collecting a first-round stoppage win at light heavyweight and the opportunity to compete in the Octagon.
Now “The Natural” is ready to make his promotional debut against fellow DWCS Class of ’21 alum Gadzhi Omargadzhiev on Saturday, entering on a seven-fight winning streak and a 10-fight unbeaten streak.
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The former Future MMA middleweight champion does a very good job of staying within himself inside the Octagon, sticking to what works instead of trying to force opportunities. While it kept him from getting a contract against Jeffrey, he still secured the victory and showed how explosive and dangerous he can be when presented with openings a few weeks later, dispatching Jesse Murray with swiftness.
It’s a tough thing to learn, but something that can serve fighters well, especially as they graduate to the next level, so it will be interesting to see if Borralho can continue playing to his strengths as he steps in with Omargadzhiev this weekend. The Russian middleweight earned a first-round submission win in his Week 9 appearance and carries a 13-0 record overall, making him one of Borralho’s toughest tests to date.
The Brazilian flashed some promise in his tandem wins inside the UFC APEX last fall, and now he’s back in familiar surroundings looking to keep the good times rolling in his promotional debut on Saturday.