Sean Strickland Calls Caio Borralho an ‘Idiot’ for Sabotaging UFC Paris Over Backup Fighter Role

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland criticizes Caio Borralho's decision to take on two weight cuts in short period of time.

Sean Strickland Calls Caio Borralho an ‘Idiot’ for Sabotaging UFC Paris Over Backup Fighter Role

Sean Strickland criticizes Caio Borralho. (via MMA Fighting, X)

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The UFC Paris event was a significant success, delivering in all aspects, despite a lackluster main event. The event recorded 11 out of the 13 fights ending in either knockouts or submissions. The main event between Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho did not reach expectations and went the distance. #3 middleweight Sean Strickland recently revealed the reason for Borralho’s weak performance in Paris.

The fight between Imavov and Borralho was expected to be an evenly matched bout, with both fighters delivering electrifying performances, similar to their previous outings. However, the first round was not at all a slugfest with little action, and the Frenchman won multiple rounds, as Borralho was only able to gain an advantage in the third. The fight ended with a unanimous decision in favor of Imavov.

The outspoken Strickland recently posted a tweet revealing the reason for Borralho’s performance being two weight cuts. For the unversed, the Brazilian was a backup fighter for the UFC 319 main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis. Strickland believed that it was not sensible for Borralho to cut weight twice with a main event fight in a month.

Caio is my buddy, but he’s an idiot. He trained with us and was useless. So you’re giving up 4 weeks of your camp cutting weight twice while having a fight coming up? Whoever told you to do that, please hit him.

Sean Strickland via X

Before UFC Paris, Borralho held an impressive 17-1 (1NC) professional record. His UFC run included a highlight knockout over Paul Craig and a gritty win against Jared Cannonier. That momentum positioned him as a dangerous threat in the middleweight rankings. However, the unanimous decision defeat to Imavov halted his surge and tested his resilience.

Borralho is a part of the fan favorite ‘Fighting Nerds’ team and sports their signature glasses after every win. However, the UFC Paris event proved distasteful for the team as Mauricio Ruffy faced a submission loss to Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event. Known for their outspoken ability and explosive call-outs, many UFC fighters somewhat enjoyed the downfall of the popular group.

The Paris card underscored how collective fortunes can shift for entire teams. Strickland’s remarks spotlighted Borralho’s preparation, but the Fighting Nerds felt the sting twice. For Borralho, recovery means tightening discipline and proving he belongs among contenders. Whether the Brazilian rebounds stronger could determine his standing in a crowded middleweight division.

Sean Strickland revealed that he and Caio Borralho were offered to fight each other

The UFC has seen many unexpected fight offers spark difficult choices. Sometimes, business collides with personal relationships, forcing fighters to weigh loyalty against opportunity. Sean Strickland recently revealed such a scenario.

The former middleweight champion admitted that the UFC tried to match him with Brazilian star Caio Borralho. The two have trained together in the past and have been vocal regarding their support for each other.

Sean Strickland and Caio Borralho training
Sean Strickland and Caio Borralho training (via Instagram)

When speaking to YouTuber Adin Ross, ‘Tarzan’ described how neither fighter felt comfortable moving forward. He emphasized the shared decision and framed it as mutual respect. For him, the situation wasn’t about rankings or opportunities. Instead, it was about preserving a friendship that extended beyond competition. Strickland recalled knowing Borralho’s family personally, including his wife and child.

UFC offered me a fight against one of my friends [Borralho] and we both kind of collectively said no. He has a wife and a kid, who I personally know, whom I like. It’s more about respect; he is a guy that I mainly respect as a man. He’s a really nice guy.

Sean Strickland via Adin Ross

The revelation underscores how friendships can complicate matchmaking in a sport driven by rankings and rivalries. Sean Strickland’s refusal showed loyalty can outweigh career advancement. On the other hand, Caio Borralho’s agreement reflected shared values and respect. In an unforgiving sport, moments like these remind fans that bonds sometimes matter more than belts.

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