LAS VEGAS – Caio Borralho is looking to climb the rankings in the UFC’s middleweight division, and he’s already got a name in mind that can help the escalation.

The Brazilian rising contender called out veteran Derek Brunson following his most recent feat inside the octagon. Borralho (14-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) kept his unbeaten status in the UFC and submitted Michal Oleksiejczuk (18-6 MMA, 6-4 UFC) in their co-main event at UFC Fight Night 223 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

“I called out Derek Brunson,” Borralho told reporters backstage at the UFC Fight Night 223 post-fight news conference. “I heard he doesn’t have a fight. I called him out before my last fight against Makhmud (Muradov) and he was saying, ‘OK, go win two more fights and then we can dance.’ Right now, I think the music is on, so it’s time to dance, Brunson.”

Ideally, Borralho, who’s expecting his first child with his wife, would like to return in August because the baby is expected in September.

The victory over Oleksiejczuk marked Borralho’s fourth win in the octagon and first finish since joining the promotion. Borralho was tired of the criticism around his finishing ability and says the performance proves that he is dangerous.

“I feel amazing and blessed,” Borralho said. “I shut up all the doubters that said that I couldn’t finish a fight. I don’t need to say anything anymore.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 223.