"Round one began with the two middleweights striking in the center of the Octagon, with Reinier de Ridder landing a few low kicks and a straight that cut the Brazilian early in the fight. Caio Borralho responded, partially landing a strike that dropped the Dutch fighter to one knee. The two dangerously exchanged in close, with de Ridder throwing his patented knee, inadvertently landing to the groin of Borralho."
"More action followed in round two, as Borralho marched forward and landed a flush right hook to the head of de Ridder. Continuously working the lead leg, Borralho peppered RDR while pressuring the labored Dutchman. When de Ridder attempted to bring the fight to the ground again, Borralho held up well, staying upright along the cage before de Ridder eventually secured control."
"Borralho maintained a confident striking approach, hands down and seemingly unconcerned with de Ridder's power. However, the momentum began to shift as de Ridder started leading the exchanges, landing a steady amount of volume behind his jab. Borralho attacked quickly to begin the final round, landing another hook that wobbled de Ridder."
At UFC 326, middleweights Caio Borralho and Reinier de Ridder competed to return to winning ways after recent losses. De Ridder's previous defeat to Brendan Allen had raised questions about his divisional standing and potential move to light heavyweight. The fight featured intense striking exchanges, with Borralho establishing early dominance through powerful straights and hooks that repeatedly put de Ridder on unstable legs. De Ridder attempted to utilize his grappling and volume striking, particularly with his jab, but Borralho maintained forward pressure and confident striking throughout. Borralho's aggressive approach and leg work continued to wear down de Ridder across the three rounds, with Borralho landing significant strikes including hooks that wobbled his opponent.
Read at Cageside Press
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