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MMA fans are in for a treat as top-ranked middleweights Caio Borralho and Brendan Allen prepare to clash in a submission match at Karate Combat 53. Unlike their usual UFC showdowns, this highly anticipated battle will take place inside the Karate Combat pit in Denver, offering a fresh and thrilling contest for grappling enthusiasts.
Borralho vs. Allen was announced just days before the event, adding an exciting new layer to an already stacked card. The match will be contested at catchweight, spanning two five-minute rounds, with a potential extra round in case of a draw.
Brendan Allen (24-7) has prior experience in grappling contests, securing a win over Gabriel Checco in 2021 after falling to Haisam Rida. His impressive UFC run saw him notch seven straight victories, including five submission finishes against elite opponents like Paul Craig and Andre Muniz. However, his recent UFC losses to Chris Curtis and Anthony Hernandez have slightly dented his momentum, making this submission match a crucial opportunity for redemption.
Caio Borralho (17-1, 1 NC), on the other hand, enters the contest with an outstanding 17-fight unbeaten streak. The Brazilian has delivered stellar performances in the UFC, most notably his back-to-back bonus-winning wins against Paul Craig and Jared Cannonier. His grappling resume includes a submission victory over Michal Oleksiejczuk in 2023, earning him an extra $50,000 for his slick rear-naked choke finish.
Karate Combat 53 is set to take place at the National Western Complex in Denver, featuring Arturo Vergara vs. Jesus Lopez for the bantamweight title in the main event. The co-main event will showcase knockout artist Robelis Despaigne against Roggers Souza in a heavyweight showdown.
With Borralho and Allen bringing their submission skills into the Karate Combat pit, fans can expect a high-level grappling showcase. Don't miss the action as Karate Combat 53 streams live on YouTube at 8 p.m. ET on Friday.