Caio Borralho says he fought Reinier De Ridder at UFC 326 with a fractured rib he broke in training just two weeks before the bout. Despite the injury, he won a unanimous 30-27 decision on all three scorecards. The fracture worsened after the fight, requiring surgery and forcing him to withdraw from an August matchup with Joe Pyfer.

By the Numbers
  • 2 weeks between the rib fracture and the De Ridder fight
  • 3 judges scored the fight 30-27 for Borralho
  • 10 weeks of attempted recovery before an MRI showed the fracture had worsened
  • 8-1 UFC record
Yes, But

Borralho’s win came despite a serious injury, but the fracture did not heal with rest and ultimately required emergency surgery. He says he has now fully recovered.

What's Next

Borralho is scheduled to return against Yousri Belgaroui on the main card of UFC 334 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Bottom Line

Borralho’s victory over De Ridder was more physically costly than it appeared—and his next fight will mark his return after surgery and a prolonged recovery.