Matheus Camilo overcame numerous challenges, including a last-minute fight cancellation, a change of opponents, and an injury, to secure his first UFC victory against Viacheslav Borshchev at UFC 322 in New York.
Matheus Camilo faced a whirlwind of changes before clinching his first octagon victory at UFC 322. The event unfolded on Nov. 15 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York.
In October, Camilo jetted off to Abu Dhabi, gearing up for UFC 321. But, in a twist, Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady withdrew just hours before weigh-ins on Oct. 23. Camilo, staying hopeful, kept in shape for a potential UFC APEX event. Instead, he found himself heading to New York for a high-stakes undercard match against Viacheslav Borshchev.
“It was a mess, but it worked out,” Camilo shared with MMA Fighting. The news of the fight cancellation hit him hard, especially after nearly completing a grueling weight cut. “I was really sad when I found out, it killed all the excitement to fight.”
Sean Shelby then offered him a spot on the November 8 card. Camilo accepted, flying back to Las Vegas, staying on diet, and preparing for a new opponent with a fresh fight date. The chaos didn’t deter his determination to win.
Camilo triumphed over Borshchev by decision, returning to Las Vegas with immense gratitude. Yet, he wasn’t entirely satisfied, puzzled by Borshchev’s slipperiness in the cage.
“I tried to hold him and the dude was slippery,” Camilo remarked. His attempts at a kimura were thwarted as Borshchev’s arm slipped away. “He’s a very experienced guy,” Camilo admitted, surprised by Borshchev’s ground game.
Adding to the challenge, Camilo sustained a foot injury early in the fight. “On the second kick I threw, I hurt my foot,” he revealed. Despite the pain and emotions, he powered through, vowing to return stronger next time.
As he approaches his 25th birthday, Camilo, known as “Jaguar,” is eager to showcase his potential in the UFC. With a 1-1 record, he’s ready to face any opponent, building his reputation in the sport.
“I can’t wait to get back in the octagon,” Camilo declared. “I’m young, I’m hungry, and I’m ready to go to war, fight, and always win.”