Caio Borralho has promised fans a statement performance as he predicts when he will finish Nassourdine Imavov.
The UFC Paris main event is one to watch for the middleweight division, as Borralho and Imavov compete to secure a title shot against the new champion, Khamzat Chimaev.
A back-and-forth build-up between these two will conclude in the Octagon on Saturday night, with claims from the Brazilian that his opponent was ‘ducking’ their fight blasted by the fighter himself.
Caio was the backup fighter for the UFC 319 clash between Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis, but was never called upon to step in, which meant he had to make weight twice in three weeks.
UFC Paris fighter Caio Borralho predicts a finish against Nassourdine Imavov and names the exact round
While it is a concern, as it could affect his performance, he was able to make the 185 lb limit comfortably before engaging in a tense face-off with his rival.
The result of their fight and the manner of the win are important for both men, given they will have to outperform a firecracker fight between Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez to definitively secure their shot at the champion.
But ‘The Natural’ believes he will be able to pull off the statement performance necessary and believes he knows when he will finish the Frenchman in their contest.
During the post-weigh-in broadcast on ESPN, the star gave his prediction for exactly when he will finish his opponent.
He said: “ I think (the fight) has 1% chance to be boring… I’m planning to finish him in the fourth round.
“He’s not going to want to be there anymore. He’s going to be emotional all the time. He’s going to be throwing all the time because we know that he’s an emotional guy.
“The first round is going to be the dangerous round, he’s going to be coming very composed. The beginning of the second same thing, but after the halfway part of the second round, you guys are going to see who’s going to rise.”
Since joining the UFC after earning a contract from the Dana White Contender Series, he has only been able to finish two of his seven opponents.
In his final message to fans, he reiterated his prediction.
“To everyone that’s going to be watching, don’t blink and wait, fourth round finish,” he said.
Caio Borralho’s statistics could be a worry for Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Paris
The ‘King of the Nerds’ on paper could be the favourite to win the fight because of his significant striking accuracy and takedown defence.
Imavov has only managed to defend 32% of his opponents’ takedowns in his wins in the organisation, whereas Borralho has been successful with a 60% success rate.
Brazil’s own has a 5% better striking accuracy than his opponent, which could help him earn the fourth-round finish he desires.
But it can be argued that ‘The Sniper’ Imavov has taken tougher fights, which have seen him lose at the top level and have provided him with the experience advantage over his foe.
As an undefeated fighter, though, Caio will be utilising his confidence and unbeatable mentality to nullify the experience of the 21-fight powerhouse.