Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight contenders Jared Cannonier and Caio Borralho are set to clash tonight (Saturday, August 24, 2024) at UFC Vegas 96, taking place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Could we witness a shift in the Middleweight division during tonight's main event? At 40 years old, Cannonier continues to impress with his fitness and striking power. Just a few months ago, he was on the verge of a title shot after a significant victory over Sean Strickland, but a controversial defeat to Nassourdine Imavov derailed those aspirations. On the other hand, Borralho enters this pivotal matchup on a six-fight winning streak. At 31, he represents a new contender in the Middleweight landscape, and this fight presents him with a chance to establish himself as a serious title contender.
Now, let’s delve into the betting odds and key strategies for each fighter:
Cannonier vs. Borralho Betting Odds
Jared Cannonier victory: +205
Jared Cannonier via TKO/KO/DQ: +400
Jared Cannonier via submission: +2200
Jared Cannonier via decision: +550
Caio Borralho victory: -250
Caio Borralho via TKO/KO/DQ: +350
Caio Borralho via submission: +300
Caio Borralho via decision: +165
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
How Cannonier Secures Victory
Cannonier stands out as one of the top sprawl-and-brawl fighters in the Middleweight division. The former Heavyweight is recognized for his agility and movement, which play a crucial role in setting up his powerful punches.
The key to victory for Cannonier lies in avoiding takedowns. While Borralho is a skilled grappler and a competent kickboxer, he lacks the power and fluidity that Cannonier possesses. If Cannonier can steer the fight towards striking, he will likely have the upper hand.
I would like to see “Killa Gorilla” apply measured pressure. Borralho excels at reacting to shots, but Cannonier has the reach and striking ability to pursue him effectively without overextending. Utilizing feints and deceptive movements will be beneficial, and Cannonier should aim to exploit Borralho’s movement-oriented style. By throwing punches and then targeting the trailing leg of his opponent, he can slow the Brazilian down.
If Borralho becomes more stationary, he will be forced into close quarters with Cannonier, where he is unlikely to succeed.
How Borralho Secures Victory
Borralho is a versatile and strategic Middleweight contender. He effectively utilizes agile movement, powerful kicks, and precise counter punches to dictate the pace of the fight while standing. However, it’s on the ground where the Brazilian truly excels.
To secure a win, Borralho must find a way to take Cannonier down. Historically, this has proven to be a challenging endeavor, but recent developments may work in his favor. Notably, Cannonier showed signs of fatigue during his wrestling exchanges with Imavov. Additionally, this matchup was arranged on relatively short notice, and Cannonier has not had a full training camp since his fight in June.
Borralho must avoid overexerting himself, but prolonged wrestling exchanges could wear down his 40-year-old opponent. It may be advantageous for Borralho to engage in intense grappling early on; when they separate, he could face a slower and less formidable Cannonier. In that scenario, Borralho would likely be able to strike effectively and leverage his movement to maintain a volume advantage.