MMA returns to New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday night with UFC 334: Gane vs. Hokit, featuring a middleweight clash between Caio Borralho and Yousri Belgaroui.
Borralho (18–2 MMA, 8–1 UFC) bounced back from his first promotional loss — a unanimous-decision defeat to Nassourdine Imavov — with a commanding decision win over Reinier de Ridder at UFC 326 in March 2026. Belgaroui (11–3 MMA, 3–0 UFC) has collected three KO/TKO wins in as many trips to the Octagon, punctuated by a first-round stoppage win against Djorden Santos at Noche UFC in September.
Borralho enters as a -155 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Belgaroui is a +130 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Caio Borralho vs. Yousri Belgaroui Fight Preview
Caio Borralho (#5)
- 18–2 MMA (8–1 UFC)
- 5–0 (T)KO
- 4–0 SUB
Fighting Nerds linchpin Caio Borralho bounced back from his first UFC loss earlier this year, pitching a shutout against the formidable Reinier de Ridder. The 33-year-old Brazilian now faces a steep uphill battle against the massive, hard-hitting Yousri Belgaroui. Borralho will likely be outmatched on the feet, both in size and overall sharpness, and has showcased defensive lapses in his recent outings. That said, “The Natural” boasts far superior Octagon experience — having fought Nassourdine Imavov and holding wins over Jared Cannonier and de Ridder — and has an opportunistic grappling game to fall back on. Borralho will likely use every tool at his disposal to defend his top-five ranking and inch closer to his first UFC title shot.
Yousri Belgaroui
- 11–3 MMA (3–0 UFC)
- 9–0 (T)KO
- 0–0 SUB
The unranked Yousri Belgaroui has punched his way into a top-five matchup, earning the nod after just three UFC fights. Granted, they all ended in KO/TKO. The Dutch striker, 34, has completely outclassed his opponents thus far, but will now face his toughest test yet against the seasoned Caio Borralho. “The Boogeyman” will have to watch for incoming grappling exchanges after getting taken down seven times in his first three trips to the Octagon. That said, Belgaroui’s greatest strength — explosive, high-volume kickboxing — should be amplified on Saturday by his towering size advantage, along with Borralho’s tendency to fight with his hands down.
Caio Borralho vs. Yousri Belgaroui Pick, Best Bet
Saturday’s middleweight clash can seemingly go one of two ways. Either Caio Borralho leans on his veteran expertise and opportunistic grappling to edge out a decision—as he’s done in three of his last four wins—or Yousri Belgaroui uses his mountainous size advantage and superior striking to extend his knockout streak. Conveniently, DraftKings Sportsbook offers a pick that covers both possibilities.
