Paulo Borrachinha wrecks Johny Hendricks, puts Middleweight division on notice

UFC : Paulo Borrachinha vs Johny Hendricks (Photo by Esther Lin / MMAFighting)

Borrachinha opened up the action with thundering kicks to the body that had Hendricks wincing and doubling over. He unleashed a high kick, which Hendricks blocked, as he chased him across the cage trying to close the distance. Borrachinha landed a nice shot along the fence, then another combination, as Hendricks dove in for a takedown that did’t materialize. Borrachinha stalked Hendricks along the cage, firing off kicks and punches as the former champ circled the cage — he mustered absolutely zero offense. Borrachinha landed a hard knee to the body and once again Hendricks looked for a takedown, but it wasn’t happening. With 90 seconds remaining in the round, Hendricks finally landed a solid combination, but Borrachinha walked right through it. Hendricks actually began to open up a little bit as the round came to a close, but it was clear the Borrachinha got the better of the opening frame.[post_ads]

Hendricks came out with a low kick to start the second stanza, looking a little more comfortable ... until Borrachinha slipped an inadvertent finger into his eye. After a brief stop in the action, Borrachinha came out on fire after the restart — drilling Hendricks with hard, unanswered shots as Hendricks looked to avoid the painful onslaught. It was a hard right cross and two brutal uppercuts that finally compelled referee “Big” John McCarthy to step in and stop the fight.[post_ads_2]

Tonight marked the third straight finish for Borrachinha since he made his Octagon debut earlier this year. He is an absolutely terrifying prospect who — at just 26 years young — seemingly has not yet hit his MMA prime.

And that’s awful news for the rest of the Middleweight division moving forward.