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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Danny Segura

Jailton Almeida wants Tai Tuivasa next, sees himself fighting for UFC heavyweight title in 2024

Jailton Almeida is a man with a plan.

The rising UFC heavyweight contender knows what he wants next and already called his shot shortly after his latest triumph inside the octagon. Almeida (19-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC) submitted Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the first round of their main event contest at UFC on ABC 4, which went down on Saturday night at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.

And not long after, speaking with reporters at the UFC on ABC post-fight press conference, the Brazilian called for a fight against “Bam Bam.”

“Of course, UFC Abu Dhabi or UFC Brazil around October,” Almeida said. “I want Tai Tuivasa. Either he comes to Brazil and feels the energy down there, or perhaps go to Abu Dhabi, where I heard he actually does his camps. So no worries, we can do that. We’ll make the effort and go to him.”

The win over Rozenstruik (13-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC), put Almeida on a five-fight winning streak since joining the UFC in early 2022. With plenty of hype behind him, Almeida sees himself fighting for the UFC heavyweight title in 2024.

“I’m taking this as a ladder full of steps, and I’m very happy to be looking into the top 10 right now and by the end of the year make it to seventh or sixth,” Almeida said. “Then next year maybe go and shoot for the title we all dream of.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 4.

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