Reinier de Ridder is not holding back when it comes to the current middleweight title picture. The Dutch star, who has quickly become a relevant figure in the UFC since making the transition from ONE, believes Caio Borralho’s inactivity should rule him out of contention.
Speaking to pound4poundshow, de Ridder made it clear that he sees himself and others as far more deserving of a championship opportunity.
Caio Borralho’s Inactivity Raises Questions
Borralho remains highly regarded within the division, but de Ridder has a point. The Brazilian has yet to compete this year, and his last significant victory came against Jared Cannonier. Since then, his stock has dipped after losing to Michael “Venom” Page.
With the middleweight division moving quickly and names like Khamzat Chimaev, Nassourdine Imavov, and Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez staying active, Borralho’s absence is becoming more noticeable. In a sport where momentum matters, sitting on the sidelines can mean falling behind in the title race.
Reinier de Ridder’s Busy Year Strengthens His Argument
De Ridder’s criticism is not just talk. He has stayed remarkably active in 2025, racking up five victories in less than twelve months. That type of output not only builds momentum but also strengthens his case as a legitimate contender.
Activity has long been rewarded by the UFC, and de Ridder is positioning himself as someone willing to step up consistently. If the promotion is eyeing a marquee fight in Abu Dhabi, de Ridder argues that he brings both the activity and the résumé to deserve the call.
The Middleweight Picture
The UFC middleweight division is currently one of the most competitive landscapes in the promotion. Chimaev has remained a polarizing figure, while Imavov has quietly built an impressive résumé. Hernandez, meanwhile, has surged with back-to-back wins that put him right on the edge of title contention.
Borralho still has the talent to climb back into the conversation, but as de Ridder points out, time is working against him. The longer he remains inactive, the harder it will be to justify his placement among the top contenders.
Could Borralho Bounce Back?
Despite Reinier de Ridder’s sharp criticism, it would be premature to count Borralho out completely. At 31 years old, he is still in his athletic prime and has the skills to compete with anyone in the division. If he can return soon and pick up a statement win, he could quickly re-establish himself as a threat.
Also read: Who Will Win? Du Plessis vs de Ridder – A UFC Middleweight Title Preview
