Sep 10, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Khamzat Chimaev (red gloves) fights Kevin Holland (blue gloves) during UFC 279 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

mma

Khamzat Chimaev Called Out By This Rising Star For Title Fight In Showdown Fans Never Saw Coming!

Khamzat Chimaev gets an unexpected callout from the UFC middleweight division's dark horse!

Sep 10, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Khamzat Chimaev (red gloves) fights Kevin Holland (blue gloves) during UFC 279 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The UFC‘s middleweight division rarely sees a dull moment. And right now, all eyes are on Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated Chechen who stormed through both welterweight and middleweight divisions with terrifying efficiency. His move to middleweight created immediate title implications, with many seeing him as the division’s boogeyman.

UFC brass had been setting the stage for a massive showdown. Champion Dricus Du Plessis was expected to defend his newly-won belt against Chimaev during the prestigious International Fight Week at UFC 317. The matchup promised fireworks between Du Plessis’ relentless pressure and Chimaev’s dominant wrestling. But as often happens in combat sports, plans can unravel in an instant.

Also Read: Chael Sonnen Brutally Shuts Down The Illogical ‘Ilia Topuria Too Small For Islam Makhachev’ Argument

Dricus Du Plessis Reportedly Sidelined

Rumors are swirling that UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis might be injured. While the UFC hasn’t confirmed anything officially, the whispers have grown louder in recent days. Du Plessis was apparently preparing for his third defense against the surging Chimaev. The South African champion has been on an impressive run himself, winning all six of his UFC bouts.

🚨| UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has reportedly picked up an injury, meaning his potential showdown with Khamzat Chimaev is now off the table for the #UFC317 event on June 28th. ❌😢

[per @KevinI] pic.twitter.com/rkX7TWMTE0
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) April 20, 2025

The timing couldn’t be worse for the UFC’s summer schedule. International Fight Week represents one of the promotion’s biggest annual showcases. With Du Plessis potentially out, matchmakers must scramble to salvage their headliner. This uncertainty has created an opening that several contenders are eager to fill, particularly with an interim title potentially up for grabs.

Caio Borralho Makes Bold Challenge for Interim Title Shot

Into this chaos steps the dark horse of the UFC: Caio Borralho. The Brazilian middleweight is currently ranked sixth in the division. Taking to social media, Borralho didn’t mince words, offering himself as a replacement for the terrifying Chimaev

“I know a guy, UFC, you know who to call,”

The next post was a simple one word:

“Interim?”

Caio Borralho offers to step in and fight Khamzat Chimaev for the interim title following rumors that Dricus du Plessis is injured 👀#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/Bay88FIsqc
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 20, 2025

The message couldn’t be clearer. He wants Khamzat Chimaev for an interim belt if Du Plessis can’t compete. Borralho’s callout might surprise casual fans, but those following the division closely know he has earned consideration. The Brazilian rides an impressive seven-fight UFC winning streak, most recently dominating former title challenger Jared Cannonier. His fighting style combines sharp striking with solid wrestling defense, tools he would need against someone with Chimaev’s grappling prowess.

Previously targeting Nassourdine Imavov, Borralho clearly sees a bigger opportunity now. The matchup presents a classic risk-reward scenario. He would be facing the division’s most avoided fighter that could either catapult him to stardom or end his winning streak dramatically. Either way, fans would be treated to an exciting stylistic clash few saw coming!

(Image Credit: Joe Camporeale – Imagn Images)

Caio Borralho

Dricus Du Plessis

Khamzat Chimaev

Zaid Quraishi

mma

I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!