Caio Borralho vs. Armen Petrosyan might seem like an odd pick for a UFC co-main event, given the pair’s relative lack of exposure so early in their careers.
Yet in getting the co-headlining spot at UFC Vegas 58 on Saturday, it was clear the promotion saw the Dana White’s Contender Series alumni as potential stars of the future.
Round one Borralho was aggressive with the leg and high kicks. Then shooting in for a takedown which he got easily and then taking the back. Borralho hunted the neck using strikes to soften Petrosyan up. Petrosyan tried to rock back and forth to break the body triangle and even when he did Borralho was able to hang onto the back with slight adjustments. Petrosyan was able to defend from the choke the entire round surviving to see the second.
Round two Borralho took Petrosyan down just as easily as he did in the first, but again Petrosyan defended well. Petrosyan was able to spin into him taking top position and then to his feet where Mike Beltran stood them up. Petrosyan worked the striking more, but Borralho easily took him down again and rode the back for the rest of the round.
Round three Petrosyan came out much more aggressive, and even stuffed a Borralho takedown. They clinched on the fence with both men fighting for position for a throw or a takedown. Beltran separated them once again and the two continued the dance of clinching for the rest of the fight forcing the decision to the judges.
Official Result: Caio Borralho def. Armen Petrosyan via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
