Despite having fought just over a week ago, UFC heavyweight Jailton Almeida already has his next fight set.
The Dana White’s Contender Series alum, who dispatched Parker Porter at UFC Vegas 55, announced via social media Wednesday that he’ll face Russian Shamil Abdurakhimov on September 10, 2022.
In announcing the news, Almeida wrote that “Today I renewed with [UFC] and my next fight is already closed! It will be on September 10th, against the Russian Shamil Abdurakhimov in the heavyweight division! I’m so happy with these news and let’s get on with that way!”
Sexto Round MMA broke the news shortly before Almeida’s announcement.
Brazil’s Almeida (16-2) debuted in the promotion in a light heavyweight fight against Danilo Marques earlier this year, winning the fight via first-round TKO. He then moved up to heavyweight to face Porter, securing a second first round stoppage — this time, a rear-naked choke submission.
After the fight, Almeida suggested he’d stay at heavyweight, and called out former UFC heavyweight champ Andrei Arlovski. Instead, he gets Abdurakhimov, who is ranked #12 in the division.
Russia’s Abdurakhimov (20-7) has lost three straight bouts, yet has somehow managed to hold on to that top 15 ranking. In his last three contests, Abdurakhimov has suffered defeat at the hands of Curtis Blaydes, Chris Daukaus, and Sergei Pavlovich.
The UFC’s September 10, 2022 event is expected to be a Fight Night show. While no venue, location or broadcast plan have been announced, the following bouts have been reported for the date:
- Trey Ogden vs. Daniel Zellhuber
- Nikolas Motta vs. Cameron VanCamp
- Danyelle Wolf vs. Norma Dumont
- Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Jailton Almeida
