Caio Borralho isn’t buying into the narrative that Reinier de Ridder is a quitter.
In his most recent outing, de Ridder couldn’t make it out of his corner for the final round of his clash with Brendan Allen. The outcome left some fans questioning de Ridder’s heart. Borralho doesn’t agree with that assessment.
In an interview with MMAJunkie.com, Borralho, who will meet de Ridder in the co-main event of UFC 326 on March 7, said he anticipates a stern test.
“I’m expecting the best Reinier de Ridder that the world has ever seen,” Borralho told MMA Junkie. “He took the time off that he needed to, but besides that, he’s coming to prove something to the world, and something to him, that he’s not a quitter, and these kinds of things have a lot of power inside.
“So, I think he’ll come very good for this fight, very well prepared, and that’s what I need, that’s what I want, to beat the best guys in their best versions. I think it’s going to be a great fight. I think he’s going to come in the best shape of his life, the best Reinier de Ridder people ever saw, and this win even bigger and better.”
Borralho is looking to bounce back after falling short in his Sept. 2025 bout against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Paris. Borralho had gone 14-0, 1 NC in his last 15 bouts before the loss to Imavov. A win would’ve put Borralho in title contention, but his hope is to prove that he’s still in the mix.
A second straight loss for de Ridder would push him even further away from the title hunt. This is de Ridder’s chance to show the loss against Allen won’t define him.
Can Reinier de Ridder bounce back? Will Caio Borralho send “RDR” even further down the ladder? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.