After emergency surgery, Caio Borralho takes on a risky challenge against Belgaroui to prove his resilience and place among the best

Brazilian Caio Borralho faces Yousri Belgaroui on November 14 in New York in a high-risk fight. After rib surgery, he’s banking on this return to maintain his place among the UFC middleweight elite and prove his resilience against an in-form opponent.

To remember:

Caio Borralho faces Yousri Belgaroui on November 14 in New York in a risky fight for his ranking after rib surgery.
The Brazilian returns after emergency surgery to avoid a long layoff and prove his resilience.
Borralho takes the risk of an uneven fight to maintain his position among the UFC’s top middleweights.

What an incredible journey for Caio Borralho! After nearly suffering cardiac arrest during training in 2023, the Brazilian had to undergo emergency rib surgery in October 2024. His return to the spotlight looks set to be a perilous one against Yousri Belgaroui, an opponent riding high with several consecutive wins under his belt.
Yet, Borralho has never hidden his ambition: staying in the race for a future title shot. "If I win, I keep my position, but I won’t climb the rankings," he recently stated. A blunt admission that speaks volumes about the Brazilian’s strategy. For him, this fight isn’t just about points—it’s a demonstration of resilience and technical growth.
His last bout against Reinier de Ridder, won by unanimous decision, marked his return after a loss to Nassourdine Imavov. A victory that reignited his momentum but wasn’t enough to secure his place among the elite. Against Belgaroui, Borralho will have to prove he still deserves his spot in the UFC middleweight top 15.
A bold gamble, but a necessary one for a fighter who refuses to let his chance slip away. This November 14th fight in New York could well be the springboard he needs to bounce back and aim higher. The question remains: can he overcome the underdog status on paper and impress the UFC decision-makers?

A High-Stakes Return

Borralho’s rib surgery wasn’t just a minor setback. After being rushed to the hospital during training, doctors diagnosed a rib fracture requiring immediate surgery. A situation that could have ended his career, but one the Brazilian turned into an opportunity to showcase his determination.
"I knew I had to come back quickly to avoid losing my place in the organization," he admits. A return that promises to be physically, technically, and above all, mentally demanding. Against Belgaroui—a fighter known for his aggression and power—Borralho will have to dig deep to impose his game.
This fight is more than just a match: it’s a declaration of war against those who doubted his ability to return to the top level. And what if Borralho succeeds where so many have failed?

The fight between Caio Borralho and Yousri Belgaroui is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated bouts of the November 14th New York card. For the Brazilian, it’s a matter of survival in the UFC’s elite. A win would allow him to hold his ground, while a loss could mean a definitive drop in the rankings. But beyond the stakes, this duel embodies the resilience and determination of an athlete willing to do whatever it takes to prove he belongs among the best.

Editor's Opinion

By Nakmen

Damn, this Borralho guy is the kind of fighter who makes you think MMA is like a John Wick movie but with more suffering: you think, "he’s not gonna make it," and then bam, he hits you with a "I’m going back to war" and a smirk. The rib surgery was his personal Jurassic Park—he nearly faced the end of the world, but now he’s back in "I’m not getting eaten by a raptor" mode against Belgaroui, a guy who’s probably thinking, "oh, a walking sandwich." His strategy is pure OSS 117: no revolution, just a display of perseverance with a touch of technique. If he wins, it’s not to climb the rankings, but to show he’s still got steel balls (and ribs). The problem? Belgaroui’s the kind of guy who’ll throw an uppercut and say, "thanks for the show." But if Borralho can keep up the pace, the UFC brass might just hand him a "here’s your ticket to the top 15" pass. If not, we’ll get a Fast & Furious remake: "I didn’t know we’d end up like this." In short: a fight that smells like strong coffee and determination, but with a risk of a tragic ending if the Brazilian takes one too many shots. Stay tuned—it’s like an episode of The Walking Dead… but better.

Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Nakmen