In a night filled with Octagon action and thrilling matchups at UFC Fight Night in Sao Paulo, Jailton Almeida’s dominant performance stole the show. The heavyweight headliner faced off against the formidable Derrick Lewis, and what ensued was a display of takedowns and ground control that left no doubt about Almeida’s prowess in the grappling department.
From the opening bell, Almeida set the tone for the fight, repeatedly taking Lewis down and establishing dominant positions on the ground. Round after round, he showcased his wrestling skills, securing full mount and back control. However, while Almeida’s control was undeniable, his ability to capitalize on these dominant positions was less impressive. Lewis, though struggling on the ground, managed to thwart any submission attempts and evade significant strikes.
Lewis’s participation in the fight came on relatively short notice, as he stepped in for Curtis Blaydes, who was forced out due to injury. Despite being dominated on the ground, Lewis’s resilience and ability to avoid significant damage made it clear that Almeida had a formidable opponent in front of him. Almeida, previously touted as a potential future title challenger, found himself facing a fighter who had absorbed only two significant strikes in his previous five Octagon appearances.
Sao Paulo Fight Night: Jailton Almeida Secures Victory Against Derrick Lewis and More
When the final horn sounded after five rounds, the judges’ scorecards unequivocally favored Almeida, with scores of 50-44, 50-44, and 50-45. This unanimous decision victory propelled Almeida’s professional record to an impressive 20-2. Still, the fight left many wondering if this performance truly marked a step forward for the fighter or if it was more of a regression. The highly anticipated prospect had showcased his grappling dominance but seemed to miss an opportunity to capture the hearts of fans.
Post-fight, Almeida called out former two-time title challenger Ciryl Gane, expressing his willingness to travel to Paris for a showdown with the French heavyweight. A potential bout with Gane could serve as a crucial stepping stone towards a title shot, but Almeida’s performance left questions about his readiness for such a challenge.
On the flip side, Derrick Lewis’s record took a hit, with this loss making it 2-5 in his seven most recent fights. While the defeat showcased his vulnerability on the ground, Lewis’s reputation as a dangerous striker remains intact.
In the broader context of UFC Fight Night in Sao Paulo, this event was filled with electrifying matchups. Nicolas Dalby’s second-round TKO victory over Gabriel Bonfim and Rodrigo Nascimento’s unanimous decision win against Don’Tale Mayes added to the night’s excitement. Caio Borralho’s unanimous decision victory over Abus Magomedov and Elvis Brener’s first-round KO against Kaynan Kruschewsky further cemented the event as a night to remember.
As the dust settles on this action-packed night, fans eagerly await what’s next for Jailton Almeida and whether he can capitalize on his dominant display to march toward a potential title shot.