UFC middleweight contender Caio Borralho says the promotion could strip champion Sean Strickland’s belt due to his current contract dispute.
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UFC middleweight contender Caio Borralho believes the UFC could strip reigning champion Sean Strickland of his middleweight title, arguing that the situation is different from how Islam Makhachev’s belt was handled.
Borralho pointed to Strickland’s inactivity since winning the belt for a second time at UFC 328 in May, when he defeated Khamzat Chimaev via split decision. He said Strickland has not fought again because of a contract dispute with the promotion.
Speaking to MMAjunkie.com, Borralho said: “I think they can (strip Strickland) any time. They didn’t strip (Islam) Mackhaev, but he was supposed to fight in January, but then refused. So they said, ‘(Expletive) it. We’re doing the interim belt,'” Borralho added that the UFC could arrange an interim title situation involving Nassourdine Imamov and “another big name,” warning that if Strickland “stays with this narrative for too long, they’ll strip him.”
Borralho also suggested a path back to contention for himself, saying his name is “already on the table” and linking it to a win at UFC 334 on November 14. He will fight knockout artist Yousri Belgaroui on the main card, and Borralho said that after a “big win” on that date, a title shot at 185 lbs could follow.
Borralho said three fighters are in the mix—Brendan Allen, Joe Pyfer and himself—and noted that, as of his comments, Pyfer has a fight scheduled for February, while he believes the UFC does not want to book Allen. Borralho said a major result for him on November 14, including “a flash knockout or submission,” could make things happen.
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