TLDR
- Caio Borralho traveled to South Africa to confront UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis at his gym
- The Brazilian fighter made the trip after his call out following UFC 326 received no response
- Du Plessis responded by suggesting they could settle things in a filmed gym fight
- Borralho’s in-person challenge is an unusual approach to securing a title shot opportunity
- The UFC has not announced any official plans for a fight between the two middleweights
Sources: MMA Mania | Bloody Elbow | Sherdog
UFC middleweight Caio Borralho traveled to South Africa to confront champion Dricus du Plessis after his recent victory at UFC 326. The Brazilian fighter made the international trip to call out du Plessis in person at his home training facility.
Borralho called out the UFC middleweight champion following his win at UFC 326. When his challenge received no immediate response from du Plessis, he decided to take action.
The 31-year-old Brazilian booked a flight and traveled over 8,000 miles to South Africa. He arrived at du Plessis’s gym to deliver his challenge face-to-face.
Caio Borralho pulled up to South Africa to call out Dricus du Plessis, and Dricus told him to pull up to his gym 😳
“Come to the gym I’m like 30 min drive from you. Let’s see if you are at least man enough to show up. We start at 9 AM Friday.”
(via @BorralhoCaio) pic.twitter.com/W19fyo7AFZ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 28, 2026
Champion Responds With Unconventional Offer
Du Plessis, known by his nickname “Stillknocks,” responded to Borralho’s unexpected visit. The South African champion suggested they could settle their differences in a filmed gym fight.
The champion’s proposal would take place at his training facility rather than in the UFC octagon. This type of arrangement is unusual in professional mixed martial arts.
Du Plessis currently holds the UFC middleweight championship belt. He won the title in 2024 and has defended it successfully against top contenders.
Borralho ranks among the top middleweights in the UFC division. His victory at UFC 326 improved his standing and put him in position to challenge for the title.
History of Call Outs in MMA
Fighters calling out opponents after wins is common in UFC competition. However, traveling to another fighter’s country to deliver the challenge in person is rare.
The confrontation between Borralho and du Plessis has generated attention on social media. Fans and media outlets have been discussing the unusual nature of Borralho’s approach.
Du Plessis trains regularly at his home gym in South Africa between UFC fights. The facility serves as his primary training base for championship preparation.
Borralho’s decision to fly to South Africa shows his determination to secure a title shot. The Brazilian has been climbing the middleweight rankings with consecutive victories.
The UFC has not made any official announcement about a potential matchup between the two fighters. Title fight bookings typically require approval from the promotion’s matchmakers.
Du Plessis’s suggestion of a filmed gym fight raises questions about whether it was serious or meant as a joke. Professional UFC fighters typically compete only in sanctioned events with proper medical supervision and regulations.
Borralho’s trip to South Africa demonstrates the lengths fighters will go to generate interest in potential matchups. Creating buzz around a fight can influence the UFC’s decision-making process for title shots.
The middleweight division currently has several contenders seeking opportunities to challenge du Plessis. Borralho is competing with other top-ranked fighters for the next title shot.
Du Plessis has not indicated when he plans to defend his title next or against which opponent. The champion’s response to Borralho’s visit suggests he may not view the Brazilian as his next priority.
