Caio Borralho says UFC could strip Sean Strickland of middleweight title any time

Caio Borralho says the UFC could strip Sean Strickland of the middleweight title if the champion keeps delaying a defense. The No. 5 contender made the comments in an interview with MMA Junkie published on November 6, 2026, as he prepares to face Yousri Belgaroui at UFC 334 in New York on November 14.

Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) won the 185-pound belt for a second time with a split decision over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 in May. He still has no official next fight booked. A rematch with Nassourdine Imavov has been reported as a target for early 2027, but nothing is confirmed. Strickland has publicly complained about champion pay and has floated vacating the title, finishing his contract at light heavyweight, and boxing Jake Paul.

'They can strip him any time'

Borralho (18-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC), a Stake ambassador speaking to MMA Junkie, pointed to how the UFC handled Islam Makhachev's refusal of a January title defense against Carlos Prates — booking Prates vs Michael Morales for an interim welterweight belt instead of stripping Makhachev.

"I think they can (strip Strickland) any time," Borralho said. "They didn't strip (Islam) Mackachev, but he was supposed to fight in January, but then refused. So they said, 'F*ck it. We're doing the interim belt.'

"I think they can do Imamov vs. another big name for the interim, and if Strickland stays with this narrative for too long, they'll strip him. They won't let him hold the division. In a great way, everyone wants to see me vs. Imamov again. Last time, I had to cut weight twice in three weeks as I was the backup for the title."

Heavy and MMA Mania also reported the comments, which remain Borralho's opinion — the UFC has not announced any strip or interim plan at middleweight.

Title path through UFC 334

Borralho faces Belgaroui (18-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) on the UFC 334 main card at Madison Square Garden. He argued that a finish would put him firmly in the title conversation alongside Brendan Allen and Joe Pyfer.

"My name is already on the table," Borralho said. "That is undeniable. No one in the division did that, and I fought tough guys. I think after a big win on November 14, for sure.

"There are three guys: Brendan Allen, Joe Pyfer and myself. It seems the UFC don't want Brendan. Pyfer has a fight for February. So, maybe a big moment for me with a flash knockout or submission, it could happen."

Division still unsettled

Chimaev remains the No. 1 contender after the UFC 328 loss and has said he wants the Strickland–Imavov winner or an immediate rematch. Former champion Dricus Du Plessis is also in the mix. Until Strickland either signs a defense or the UFC forces the issue with an interim bout, the middleweight picture stays stuck — which is exactly the scenario Borralho says the promotion will not tolerate for long.