UFC 330 is still a few months away, but the card has already suffered a massive blow. While the UFC hadn’t officially confirmed any of the fights on the card, one middleweight star has come forward to reveal that he was set to be featured on it. However, lingering complications from a serious rib injury have worsened, forcing him to withdraw from the event on August 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
“Unfortunately, the rib didn’t heal,” said Caio Borralho in an Instagram post. “And the displacement was dangerous because it could have punctured my lung, so we had to resort to surgery. Unfortunately, the fight at UFC 330 with my friend Joe Pyfer will not happen. I hope to be back soon and able to do what I love in the UFC.”
The injury Caio Borralho is talking about occurred just two weeks before his fight against Reinier de Ridder at UFC 326 in March. According to reports, he fractured a rib during training. Although he fought through the pain during his bout against de Ridder and won a decision, doing it again without having it heal completely was something he didn’t want to do.
“I’m still firm in recovery and physiotherapy,” he added. “Focused on leaving my body 100% and haha I’m back! Appreciate everyone supporting and sending positive energy!”
The decision to pull out was likely the smart move on the Brazilian’s part, considering he would’ve been facing a dangerous opponent in Joe Pyfer, who is coming off two consecutive stoppage wins, with the last one being over former champ Israel Adesanya at UFC Seattle in March. While a single rib fracture can often heal on its own with time and care, more serious cases, like this, can have a lasting impact.
🚨 Caio Borralho reveals he was supposed to fight Joe Pyfer at UFC 330 in August but is OUT with a rib injury
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 6, 2026
"Unfortunately, the rib didn't heal, and the displacement was dangerous because it could have punctured my lung, so we had to resort to surgery.
Unfortunately, the… pic.twitter.com/ENr0m0olQM
The condition can lead to hypoventilation, lung collapse in parts, and reduced oxygen levels in the brain. There’s also the possibility of pneumonia, as such injuries can cause shallow breathing and an inability to cough, allowing mucus buildup.
With him undergoing surgery as well, it appears Caio Borralho will remain out of competition at least for the next 4-5 months. But such injuries aren’t uncommon in the UFC. Anthony Pettis fractured his rib after his submission loss to Dustin Poirier in 2017. Kevin Holland suffered a rib injury during his fight against Roman Dolidze at UFC 307 in 2024.
Even last year, Magomed Ankalaev claimed he fought Alex Pereira with a broken rib. Still, Caio Borralho’s absence from the card will take away a portion of the excitement. But fans may get over it thanks to the rumored main-event bout on the card.
Islam Makhachev could face Ian Garry at UFC 330
Islam Makhachev could be set for his first UFC welterweight title defense against Ian Garry at UFC 330. He has not competed since capturing the 170-pound title with a dominant victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last November.
While several contenders are pushing for a bout with the champion, Makhachev believes Garry has done enough to earn the opportunity.
“Right after here I’m going to the camp and I don’t know: August, I will be ready,” Makhachev told UFC on TNT Sports when discussing his return timeline.
The reigning champion also made it clear who he considers the division’s leading contender.
“A lot of contenders, but No. 1 is Ian Garry, and we have still a couple more who want to take the belt, but I don’t give [it to] no one,” Makhachev added.
Garry is coming off consecutive wins over Carlos Prates and former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, potentially putting him next in line.
It appears that Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry will have to carry UFC 330 until more bouts are officially confirmed.
