UFC Vegas 96: Jared Cannonier vs. Caio Borralho: Live round-by-round updates
UFC Vegas 96 features a pivotal clash in the middleweight division as ranked contenders Jared Cannonier and Caio Borralho lock horns in the main event to push their case forward for a title shot in the future. The event is set to go down on Aug. 24 at the Apex facility in Las Vegas.
Cannonier enters the fight to recover lost ground after a TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov in June. This was also the first time that Cannonier had been finished in the 185-pound bracket since transitioning to the weight class in November 2018. Cannonier posts a 7-3 record through 10 fights in the middleweight division and holds notable victories over the likes of Sean Strickland and Marvin Vettori.
Meanwhile, Borralho is making strides in the middleweight division that perhaps outpace some of his peers. Since he graduated from the ranks of 'Dana White's Contender Series' in October 2021, with a TKO victory over Jesse Murray, the Brazilian has posted six straight wins with two finishes. In his last fight at UFC 301, Borralho knocked out Paul Craig, collecting the most important win of his career so far.
Fans can tune in to UFC Vegas 96 prelims on Aug. 24, which will stream exclusively on ESPN+ at 4 p.m. PT/ 7 p.m. ET. The main card will air on ESPN and ESPN+ at 7 p.m. PT/ 10 p.m. ET.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live results and play-by-play updates from the Jared Cannonier vs. Caio Borralho fight.
Round 1
Borralho opens up with a wide karate stance, darting in and out to land a stiff jab. Watch for the high kick as Borralho seems to be loading up on it, establishing distance to create space for the attack. An accidental eye poke from Borralho compromises Cannonier's vision momentarily. He takes time to recover and lands an overhand right to open his attack. Borralho lands two hard calf kicks, one of which severely compromises Cannonier's movement.
The Brazilian pressures Cannonier against the fence and lands a flying knee. Borralho has done a fantastic job of cutting angles and diversifying his attack. Cannonier fires back with a left hook and crisp right hand. Another two-punch combination behind Borralho's jab and Cannonier seems to have found his rhythm towards the end of the first frame.
Our Score: 10-9 Borralho
Round 2
Cannonier throws a looping right hand, a few strikes to the body, and just misses out on the overhand right up top. He's switching stances to infuse an element of surprise to confuse his opponent. Borralho seems to be struggling to generate offense in the second frame as an overhand right by Cannonier briefly wobbles him.
Double jabs from the Brazilian and Cannonier seems to be carrying a certain confidence, indicating that he's getting the better of his rival in the second round. He's barely missing on the third power punch in his combinations whenever he swarms in to attack the body. Cannonier is finding success with the lead right hook from the southpaw stance. The former middleweight title challenger slips behind his opponent's attack to land short right hands.
Our Score: 10-9 Cannonier
Round 3
A big check right hook early from Borralho sets the tone for the round. Cannonier is loading up on the punches and lands two snapping right hands. Borralho should leverage the damage he generated with the calf kicks. 'The Natural' launches a few teep kicks and calf attacks to keep his opponent at bay. The momentum has swung back in Borralho's favor as he applies pressure and strings together decisive combinations. Borralho hurts Cannonier with a one-two combination that wobbles the American. Borralho swarms with punches and knees to the body to close out the action but Cannonier somehow manages to maintain his composure.
Our Score: 10-9 Borralho
Round 4
Back and forth they go as Borralho opens up with a jab. Two well-timed right hands from Cannonier push Borralho out of range. Few low calf kicks land for Borralho and Cannonier rushes to counter with punches to the head. Cannonier staggers Borralho with a three-punch combo which has visibly taken a toll on the right eye of his opponent. A huge gash has opened up under Borralho's eye as both fighters swing it out to close out another competitive round.
Our Score: 10-9 Cannonier
Round 5
Cannonier checks the incoming calf kick attempt from Borralho. Stifling jab and a body kick from the Brazilian. A right hand behind Cannonier's head and a high kick land for 'The Natural'. They are exchanging wild combinations in the center of the octagon. What a main event this has been so far!
A right hook and follow-up left folds Cannonier. He crumples down leading to a momentary lapse in awareness as Borralho swarms in to finish the fight. The Brazilian applies pressure from the top position to squeeze out a submission win. All heart from Cannonier as he survives to see the final horn of the fight.
Our Score: 10-9 Borralho
Official Score:
Caio Borralho defeats Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, and 48-46).