Jailton
Almeida announced his presence to the Ultimate Fighting
Championship’s heavyweight division in a major way on Saturday.
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“Maladinho” made short work of Jairzinho
Rozenstruik in the
UFC on ABC 4 main event, winning via rear-naked choke 3:43 into
the opening round of their encounter at the Spectrum Center in
Charlotte, N.C. It was a dominant performance that saw the
Brazilian take his foe down with relative ease, advance position
and lock in the fight-ending maneuver when the opportunity
presented itself. Almeida has won 13 straight professional fights —
including five within the Las Vegas-based promotion. It was exactly
the type of showing that could help fast-track Almeida to the top
of the division.
“This guy looks like he’s going to be a star in the heavyweight
division….” UFC president Dana White said at Saturday’s post-fight
press conference.
“His double leg is insane. When he gets that top position, he
doesn’t screw around. He goes in there and tries to finish. I have
a lot of high hopes for this kid. I think he’s going to be
something special.”
Almeida, meanwhile, already has his next step mapped out as he
attempts to climb higher in the weight class.
“Of course, UFC Abu Dhabi or UFC Brazil around October [should be
next],” Almeida said. “I want Tai
Tuivasa. Either he comes to Brazil and feels the energy down
there, or perhaps go to Abu Dhabi, where I heard he actually does
his camps. So no worries, we can do that. We’ll make the effort and
go to him.”
The 31-year-old isn’t expecting to rush to a title shot, however.
In an ideal world, he’ll reach that goal sometime next year.
“I’m taking this as a ladder full of steps, and I’m very happy to
be looking into the top 10 right now and by the end of the year
make it to seventh or sixth,” Almeida said. “Then next year maybe
go and shoot for the title we all dream of.”