The matchup promises to be veritable grappling clinic from two highly skilled, similarly experienced jiu-jitsu practitioners; a real treat for fans who appreciate the sport’s more technical levels. But Almeida—like his opponent—rejects the alleged mystique of Brazilian vs Brazilian in the UFC Octagon. For him, it’s another night at the office; simply the next hurdle.
„Here in the United States everybody thinks it’s spectacular, but in Brazil people are like, ‘Why Brazil versus Brazil?’ It’s business; it’s my work before anything else. I think we’ll make a good fight. I think we’ll do a little bit of jiu-jitsu, a little bit of striking and put on a great show.”
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That much is for certain. In addition to his own impressive résumé, he’s put in his time studying what separates the next-level Octagon legends from the rest.
„At the beginning of my career, I looked up to Anderson Silva. I’m a fan of his. Jose Aldo, as well, who has a background that is similar to mine. „Minotauro“ Nogueira who comes from the same state as I do. Today, Khabib (Nurmagomedov), Jon Jones and Khamzat Chimaev are the guys I admire.”
That’s pretty good company to keep as he sets out to blaze his own path.
„My dream is first to win fights and get into the rankings. And my biggest dream is the same of every fighter who gets in the UFC: to be the champion. And I’m going to work really hard for that.“
Don’t miss a single round of UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs Strickland, live from the UFC APEX on Saturday, February 5 on ESPN+. Prelims begin at 4pm ET/1pm PT. Main card begins at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
