Khamzat Chimaev was rumored to face Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title at UFC 317, but reports recently confirmed that “Stillknocks” sustained an injury, taking the fight off the table.
In response, Caio Borralho called out Chimaev on social media, challenging him to a fight. Chimaev fired back by posting a story on Instagram of him submitting Borralho, making his stance clear.
Caio Borralho Reacts to Video of Submission by Khamzat Chimaev
Chimaev’s Instagram story resulted in a clip of his and Borralho’s sparring session going viral on social media where “Borz” can be seen choking the Brazilian out.
Khamzat Chimaev ve Caio Borralho sparring videosu🔥
Kaynak. MMA Squad YT pic.twitter.com/qX4sS82fop
— Səttar🇦🇿 (@Settar_07) April 20, 2025
“The Natural” recently made an appearance on Submission radio where he spoke about the clip and also his mindset towards fighting.
Borralho shared that he was not bothered by the clip going viral and aimed to use fighting as a tool to become a better person.
“This didn’t like make me feel anything because, as I said to you, I have no ego, bro,” shared Borralho. “You know what I mean? That’s my mission in life, to control my ego. To be a better man, a better athlete, a better father, a better brother, a better son. I use the fighting game to make me a better human. So, I know all these guys are full of ego, I’m not. So, I’m very calm about what I can do… I know who I can be in this sport and what I can do, you know. I don’t need to be showing that in the gym everyday, hurting all the guys in the gym, you know.”
Borralho then spoke about how his demeanor at the gym made him and ideal sparring partner as he did not intend to cause harm to the other person.
“I’m the best guy to train with because I’m never there to hurt you or anything like that,” added Borralho. “So, if I was a like a bad guy, a bad sparring partner or anything like that, do you think [Sean] Strickland would call me to do five rounds of sparring with him, on like, Tuesday on fight week? Never, bro.”
👀 Caio Borralho reacts to the viral clip of Khamzat Chimaev choking him in training:
"I’m the best guy to train with because I’m never there to hurt you… I have no ego… [that’s why] everyone likes training with me"
🎥 @SubmissionRadio ▫️ pic.twitter.com/seR3gWXcqc
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) April 22, 2025
The post caught the attention of several fans, who reacted to it on social media.
One individual praised the Brazilian, calling him “a class act” for his comments.
Class act this time.
— Penitence MMA (@MadeInHeaven64) April 23, 2025
Another person said: “Seems like a cool dude.”
One user took the opportunity to take a dig at Borralho’s finish record in the UFC.
“He doesn’t hurt anyone in his fights, except chinny [Jared] Cannonier, who was wobbled by [Marvin] Vettori.”
He also doesn't hurt anyone in his fights,except chinny Cannonier who was wobbled by Vettori
— Mazdhar (@MAZDHARMMA) April 22, 2025
Another individual criticised Chimaev, saying: “Khamzat’s actually so insecure. It’s crazy.”
One fan defended Chimaev, saying: “Chimaev had him in the chokehold for a second and let go… He could’ve easily hurt him if he had an ego.”
Chimaev had him in the chokehold for a second then let go.. he could’ve easily hurt him if he had an ego
— Random MMA Enjoyer (@MMA__enjoyer) April 23, 2025
The viral clip may have fueled buzz, but Borralho’s calm response showed rare humility. Whether they fight or not, the contrast is already compelling.