- George Chung
- Aug 23, 2024
- 2 min read
Jared Cannonier wasn’t satisfied with his last trip to the UFC Octagon. Facing Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Louisville in June, the bout ended in frustration as referee Jason Herzog stopped the fight early in the fourth round. Despite believing he was still in control and defending himself, Cannonier was left disappointed as the fight was waved off.
Reflecting on the experience, Cannonier admits the pain has faded. “Time heals all wounds,” he shared just days before stepping back into the Octagon to face Caio Borralho at UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Borralho. The bout, just 11 weeks after his last, marks the quickest turnaround in his career—a chance for redemption and a return to the winner's circle.
Following knee surgery that kept him out for nearly a year, Cannonier was eager for a quick return, and the opportunity to face the rising star Borralho came at just the right time. Ranked No. 5 in the middleweight division, Cannonier knows the stakes are high, especially against an opponent who has been vocal about wanting to test himself against the seasoned contender.
Caio Borralho, one of the division’s most promising talents, enters the fight with an impressive 6-0 UFC record and a recent knockout victory over Paul Craig. Borralho's respectful challenge to Cannonier is seen as a testament to his ambitions, and Cannonier acknowledges the warrior spirit in his younger opponent. However, Cannonier is ready to remind everyone why he remains a top contender in the division.
Since moving to middleweight, Cannonier has faced a slew of top contenders, consistently proving his mettle. Now, as he prepares to take on Borralho, he's determined to show that he's still a force to be reckoned with, even when facing those aiming to take his place.
As Cannonier steps into the Octagon once again, he's not just fighting for a win—he's fighting to reclaim the feeling of victory that has driven him throughout his career. “It’s going to feel so good to go out there, perform, and get my hand raised,” Cannonier declared.
Don’t miss the action at UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Borralho, live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 24, 2024. Prelims start at 7pm ET/4pm PT, with the main card airing on ESPN & ESPN+ at 10pm ET/7pm PT.
