Caio Borralho Describes Reinier de Ridder’s “Awkward Body” Ahead of UFC Fight
Team Fighting Nerds’ Caio Borralho will return to the octagon this weekend in the co-main event of UFC 326 against Reinier de Ridder. Both fighters have enjoyed strong runs in the UFC so far, but after losing their most recent bouts, they’ll be looking to return to winning ways this Saturday.
During the UFC 326 media day, “The Natural” was asked to give his assessment of “RDR” after their faceoff.
The Dutch fighter stands 6’4″ with a 78-inch reach.
Borralho, on the other hand, is slightly shorter, standing at 6’1” with a 75-inch reach.
After the Paramount faceoff, the Brazilian compared de Ridder’s frame to one of his past opponents, Abus Magomedov. He said:
“Oh, big guy, very awkward body. I’ve faced a guy like him before, Abus [Magomedov]. Long arms, shoulders very high. That’s the fight business. We’re used to that. Nothing to take away like ‘He was afraid’ or ‘this or that.’ I think people say that to feel more confident. I don’t need that. There were two high‑level guys over there wanting to fight, waiting for Saturday.”
Check out Caio Borralho’s comments below (13:40):
Caio Borralho describes Reinier de Ridder as a ‘pressure fighter with an awkward style’
During the same media day sit-down, Caio Borralho gave his two cents on how he expects the UFC 326 bout with Reinier de Ridder to play out. He said:
“I think he’s a great fighter. Awkward style on the feet. Pressure fighter and very, very good in grappling.” [3:36]
Borralho believes his bout with “RDR” won’t turn into a striking fest and expects the latter to shoot for takedowns in an attempt to neutralize his knockout power.
“100% he is going to shoot. If he doesn’t shoot, I think he’s out of his mind.”
The former two-division ONE world champion has also spoken highly about his upcoming opponent. As per de Ridder’s assessment, Caio Borralho is a well-rounded mixed martial artist who knows when to trade in the pocket, take risks, and when to step back.
At UFC 326, when the octagon door closes, “RDR” believes his Brazilian foe would look to dictate the pace and look to win rounds with constant output instead of seeking a finish.
De Ridder, on the other hand, plans to hand “The Natural” his second loss in the UFC by stunning Borralho with “good stuff,” taking him down, and choking him out.
