Sumudaerji vs. Borjas Flyweight Thriller: Who Moves Up the Rankings at UFC Shanghai?

By Ali Hammad August 23, 2025 17:49

The flyweight showdown at UFC Shanghai between China's Su Mudaerji and Peru's Kevin Borjas proved to be a captivating display of striking skill, durability, and tactical savvy, leaving fans and analysts eager to see who truly benefits in the UFC flyweight rankings after the contest.

Held at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium on August 23, 2025, this bout marked Su Mudaerji's highly anticipated return to the Octagon on home soil. Nicknamed "The Tibetan Eagle," Mudaerji showcased a striking clinic using sharp kicks and clean strikes while successfully defending against Borjas' wrestling attempts throughout three intense rounds. The fight culminated in a unanimous decision victory for Mudaerji, a win that could serve as a pivotal moment in his UFC career trajectory.

The numbers speak to Mudaerji’s control: throughout the bout, he effectively utilized his reach and speed to maintain distance, landing precise counter strikes in an open stance matchup. Borjas, on the other hand, brought relentless pressure with his boxing-heavy style, favoring hooks and body shots. However, his grappling and takedown attempts were repeatedly thwarted by Mudaerji’s stout takedown defense, preventing him from controlling the fight on the ground as he had hoped.

Borjas, aged 27, entered the bout riding a recent momentum after rebounding from a two-fight losing streak with a unanimous decision win. Mudaerji, 29, had his own challenges, coming off a narrow split decision victory that ended a three-fight skid. Both fighters had much at stake: a win here could restart or enhance their climb up the flyweight ladder. Borjas hoped to use his aggression to break through to the upper tiers; Mudaerji aimed to solidify his standing as a top contender in his home country’s first major UFC event since the pandemic.

Commenting post-fight, Mudaerji reflected on the significance of the victory: "Having the crowd behind me energized my every move. This win isn’t just for me it’s for every fan in China who has supported my journey. I’m ready to prove I belong among the best in the world."

Statistically, the fight was a battle of precision versus volume. Mudaerji’s harder, more accurate strikes contrasted with Borjas’ higher output but less effective connects. The referee had to intervene for an accidental eye poke in the second round, adding a brief moment of drama to the exchange-heavy contest. Yet both warriors kept coming back, exchanging punches and kicks in a thrilling pace that captivated the Shanghai audience.

From a rankings perspective, this victory likely propels Mudaerji upward, positioning him as a legitimate threat to the division’s top contenders. His performance demonstrated improved defensive skills and ring generalship, crucial in the highly competitive flyweight division. For Borjas, despite the loss, his aggressive style and toughness underscore his potential, though further development in grappling and takedown defense will be necessary to break through the elite ranks.

The UFC Shanghai event also featured other notable bouts, but it was this flyweight thriller that stole the spotlight with its non-stop action and technical depth. The win by Su Mudaerji in front of his home fans not only boosts his career but also highlights the growing global embrace of mixed martial arts.

While both fighters showed heart and skill, it is Mudaerji who walks away with the ranking advantage at UFC Shanghai. His ability to combine reach, speed, and striking precision against a relentless opponent reveals a fighter on the rise in the flyweight division's crowded landscape, making him a compelling figure to watch as the division continues to evolve.