Matheus Camilo Defies Tumultuous Preparations and Mid-Fight Injury to Secure Pivotal UFC 322 Victory

Matheus "Jaguar" Camilo navigated a labyrinth of last-minute logistical changes and overcame a significant in-fight injury to clinch his inaugural Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) victory at UFC 322. The highly anticipated pay-per-view event, which took place on November 15 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, saw Camilo demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability, a testament to the unpredictable nature of professional mixed martial arts.

The path to the octagon for the 24-year-old Brazilian lightweight was anything but straightforward. Originally scheduled to compete at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 23, Camilo’s preparations were meticulously tailored for a clash against Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady. Having already endured the grueling process of shedding nearly nine kilograms to reach his target weight, the aspiring contender found his efforts abruptly halted just hours before the official weigh-ins. Al-Selwady, a veteran with a professional record of 15-3, was forced to withdraw from the bout, leaving Camilo in a precarious position.

"It was a mess, but it worked out," Camilo recounted to MMA Fighting, reflecting on the tumultuous period. "The first few days were really bad. It was just a few hours before weigh-ins when they told me the fight was off. I was already ready to start dehydrating – I still had about 4kg left, and I had already cut almost 9kg. I was really sad when I found out; it killed all the excitement to fight."

The cancellation in Abu Dhabi marked the beginning of a frantic search for a new opportunity. UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby, recognizing Camilo’s dedication and readiness, assured him of a fight in November. Camilo, a fighter known for his unwavering commitment, immediately pivoted his focus, maintaining his strict diet and training regimen in anticipation of a potential bout at the UFC APEX event in Las Vegas the following week, typically reserved for Fight Night cards. However, the UFC had other plans for "Jaguar." Instead of a smaller Fight Night, Camilo was rerouted across continents to New York for a high-profile undercard slot at UFC 322, a significant step up in exposure.

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This meant not only a change in venue but also a completely different opponent. Viacheslav Borshchev, a dangerous striker known as "Slava Claus" with a professional record of 7-3, was the new challenge. Borshchev, a product of the Glory Kickboxing circuit, presented a stark stylistic contrast to the grappling-oriented Al-Selwady. This last-minute switch required Camilo to rapidly adjust his strategy and mindset, a demanding task for any fighter, let alone one navigating international travel and prolonged weight management.

"Sean Shelby asked if I wanted to fight on the November 8 card [UFC APEX] and I said yes," Camilo explained. "They changed my flight so I could get back to Las Vegas as soon as possible. I stayed on diet and didn’t have an opponent, then they gave me an opponent completely different from the original one for a new date. There were a lot of changes but my desire to win made the difference."

The bout itself, a three-round lightweight contest, showcased Camilo’s determined grappling approach against Borshchev’s renowned striking. From the opening bell, Camilo sought to neutralize Borshchev’s stand-up prowess by initiating takedowns and pressing for ground control. However, he encountered an unexpected challenge in Borshchev’s defensive grappling. Camilo, who holds an impressive professional record of 12-3, including his 1-1 UFC tenure, expressed surprise at his opponent’s slipperiness and resilience on the mat.

"I tried to hold him and the dude was slippery," Camilo observed. "I was going for a kimura on him and his arm kept slipping out. He already knew, for sure, that I was going to try to grapple with him. … I know he’s a very experienced guy, very tough on the feet and on the ground. He surprised me on the ground. I thought it would be easy to take him down to try my ground game but he’s a very experienced guy, so he surprised me."

Adding another layer of adversity to an already challenging situation, Camilo revealed that he sustained a significant injury early in the fight. In the heat of the first round, a powerful kick landed awkwardly, resulting in a foot injury that severely hampered his mobility and striking ability for the remainder of the bout.

"I ended up injuring my foot in the first round," Camilo disclosed post-fight. "Few people know this, but on the second kick I threw, I hurt my foot and it was really painful. I couldn’t even step on it. I had to deal with all of that in the cage, on top of the emotions. I wanted to show more, but that’s how it went. Next time you’ll see a new version of Matheus."

Despite the debilitating injury and the unexpected resistance from Borshchev on the ground, Camilo pressed on, demonstrating grit and determination. He continued to pursue takedowns, control positions, and hunt for submissions, ultimately doing enough to sway the judges in his favor, earning a unanimous decision victory. The official scorecards reflected 29-28, 29-28, and 29-28, underscoring the competitive nature of the fight and Camilo’s hard-fought win.

Returning to his training base in Las Vegas, Camilo carried with him "an enormous feeling of gratitude" for his first UFC triumph. While acknowledging his happiness given the extraordinary circumstances, he remained candid about his performance, indicating a desire to showcase his full potential in future outings. The win over Borshchev was not just a victory; it was a testament to his mental fortitude and ability to adapt under extreme pressure.

As he prepares to turn 25 in January, Matheus "Jaguar" Camilo is eager to build on this pivotal win and establish himself as a force in the UFC lightweight division. With a taste of victory and the lessons learned from a chaotic fight camp, he is focused on his next challenge.

"I can’t wait to get back in the octagon," Camilo declared, his hunger palpable. "I’m young, I’m hungry, and I can’t wait to work. I like challenges. Whoever they put in front of me, I’ll be ready to go to war, fight, and always win."

Camilo’s journey to his first UFC win serves as a compelling narrative of perseverance against unforeseen obstacles. From a cancelled fight across the globe and a last-minute opponent change to a debilitating mid-fight injury, "Jaguar" proved his mettle. His resilience in the face of adversity, combined with his expressed desire for continuous improvement, positions him as a fighter to watch as he seeks to carve out a significant legacy in the competitive landscape of the UFC. The lightweight division is notoriously stacked, but Camilo’s debut victory, achieved under such trying conditions, signals his readiness for bigger challenges and brighter spotlights.