Caio Borralho's Frustration with Fight Refusals

Caio Borralho, an ascending UFC middleweight, recently appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show to express his growing frustration with several high-profile fighters in the division. Aired on April 23, 2025, Borralho did not hold back as he called out Khamzat Chimaev, Robert Whittaker, and Nassourdine Imavov for allegedly refusing to accept fights against him. His candid remarks shed light on the challenges he faces in securing meaningful matchups to advance his career in the UFC middleweight division.

Targeting Khamzat Chimaev

Early in the discussion, around the 2:30 mark, Borralho directed sharp criticism toward Khamzat Chimaev. He accused Chimaev of avoiding a fight despite being a highly ranked contender. Borralho emphasized that he sees this as an opportunity to test himself against one of the division's most feared fighters, but claimed Chimaev has shown no interest in stepping into the octagon with him. This refusal, according to Borralho, is stalling his momentum as he seeks to climb the rankings.

Calling Out Robert Whittaker

At approximately the 5:15 timestamp, the conversation shifted to Robert Whittaker, a former middleweight champion. Borralho expressed disappointment over Whittaker's apparent reluctance to face him. He argued that a bout with Whittaker would be a significant step forward in proving his worth among the elite of the division. However, Borralho stated that Whittaker has declined the matchup, leaving him searching for other opponents to maintain his active status in the UFC.

Confronting Nassourdine Imavov's Refusal

Perhaps the most heated segment came near the 8:40 mark when Borralho addressed Nassourdine Imavov's decision to turn down a fight. He revealed that he accepted the bout immediately without hesitation, only to learn that Imavov rejected the offer. Borralho suggested that Imavov believes he should only face top-five ranked fighters, a stance that Borralho finds unreasonable given his own position in the rankings and his willingness to fight anyone. This rejection has fueled Borralho's determination to prove himself against any opponent willing to step up.

Borralho's Drive to Stay Active

Throughout the interview, Borralho reiterated his desperation to kick off his 2025 campaign with a fight, regardless of the opponent. Around the 12:10 point, he emphasized his readiness to take on any challenge, underscoring his undefeated record in the UFC and his eagerness to face top competition. His frustration with these refusals highlights a broader issue in the sport where rising contenders often struggle to secure bouts with established names, hindering their path to title contention.