Caio Borralho claims he was lined up to face Joe Pyfer in August.
With Khamzat Chimaev requesting a rematch with Sean Strickland, the other contenders in the middleweight division might be waiting a while before they get a shot at the belt.
While Nassourdine Imavov is the clear frontrunner in that regard, Borralho beating Reinier de Ridder last time out put his name back in the mix.
Unfortunately for the Brazilian, he says that an injury he was able to fight through back in March has prevented him from making his return in several months’ time.
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Caio Borralho says he’s no longer fighting Joe Pyfer at UFC 330 due to his rib injury
Despite going back and forth with Dricus du Plessis, it looks like Caio Borralho had a different top middleweight lined up for his next fight.
The Brazilian recently posted on Instagram to explain that the ribs that he fractured two weeks before facing Reinier de Ridder haven’t healed the way they were expected to.
As a result, he claims that a matchup between him and Joe Pyfer at UFC 330, that hadn’t been announced or reported yet, will no longer be happening.
“Unfortunately the rib did not stick and the deviation was dangerous having lung puncture and etc. so we had to go for surgery… Unfortunately, the fight at UFC 330 with my buddy Joe Pyfer will not be happening,” Borralho wrote. “Hopefully soon to be back doing what I love at UFC.”
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This matchup makes a lot of sense given where both men are in the middleweight rankings.
After Pyfer stopped Israel Adesanya in March, he skyrocketed up the top 15 to put himself in position for a clash with one of the division’s top contenders.
Given that Pyfer fights out of Philadelphia, it seems likely that the UFC will try to find another suitable opponent for him to face at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on August 15.
As for Borralho, he doesn’t have a return timeframe in mind following this setback.
“I’m still firm in recovery and physiotherapy,” he added. “Focused on leaving my body 100% and haha I’m back! Appreciate everyone supporting and sending positive energy!”