Charlotte, NC – With his first main event spot now behind him UFC heavyweight Jailton Almeida looks ahead to his next challenge which he already has a name and possible cities for it.
“UFC Abu Dhabi or maybe UFC Brazil in October. Tai Tuivasa, either he comes to Brazil for the energy down there, or perhaps go to Abu Dhabi where I heard that he actually does his camp,” Almeida told reporters including Cageside Press through a translator at his post-fight scrum.
“Don’t worry. We’ll do that. We’ll make that effort and go to him.”
On Saturday at UFC Charlotte, Almeida made quick work of #9 ranked heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik who he finished in the first round via submission. Even with Almeida’s reputation preceding him it was the biggest win of his career so far.
“Very grateful to actually have this opportunity. It’s been 11 years of my life being dedicated to this. Whenever I step into that stage I feel that having the opportunity to do that is pretty amazing. I feel it’s a dream come true,” he said.
Following the victory fans took to social media to declare Almeida a future champion in the UFC.
“I’m just taking this as a ladder full of steps. I’m very happy to be looking into the top 10 right now,” said Almeida.
“By the end of the year make it to 7th or 6th and then next year maybe go and shoot for that title you all dream of.”
Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Jailton Almeida above.
