Ultimately, Almeida decided that heavyweight was his new home for the time being and put his name out there for a big fight with the big boys.
At 16-2 with two impressive showings in the UFC, Almeida got what he was looking for in a shot at the heavyweight Top 15 at UFC 279, as he signed the contract to face Shamil Abdurakhimov. Unfortunately, Abdurakhimov was forced out of the bout, but that didn’t stop Almeida from finding a new opponent.
That’s when Anton Turkalj of Sweden stepped in, agreeing to face Almeida at a catchweight of 220 pounds. It’s a good opportunity for the 26-year-old, who didn’t receive a contract after his decision victory at the beginning of season six of the Contender Series.
“I don’t think [the opponent switch] changes anything. I wanted a ranked guy, but I don’t think it makes a big difference,” Almeida said. “I’m sure I’ll eventually get a ranked guy.”
Despite coming in last minute, Turkalj will definitely be a test for Almeida, who can extend his winning streak to 12 with a win at T-Mobile Arena this weekend.
“My opponent is a very versatile guy, and he also has a grappling background. We have similar games,” Almeida said of Turkalj. “I think Mick Maynard chose this fight to prove who the best grappler in the division is. I’m sure I’m the better grappler. I train really hard for that. I have a very solid game. Even though his game is similar to mine, it doesn’t really go anywhere. I finish my fights, either with a choke or ground-and-pound.”
If Almeida can look anything like he’s looked against Marques and like he looked against Porter, then an impressive win over Turkalj will do nothing but help “Malhadinho” secure a big fight in his next venture to the Octagon.
And he’ll certainly no longer be a prospect that’s flying under the radar.
