The anticipation was high as Jailton Almeida stepped into the Octagon to face off against the formidable Derrick Lewis in the main event of UFC Sao Paulo. Almeida, giving up around 30 pounds to Lewis, showcased his exceptional skill and strength throughout the match. Despite the weight disadvantage, Almeida was able to dominate Lewis in various aspects of the fight, ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory.
From the onset, it was evident that Almeida had a plan in mind. Utilizing his superior grappling and wrestling abilities, Almeida repeatedly took Lewis down and gained dominant positions. Over the course of 25 minutes, Almeida controlled the fight, accumulating an astounding 21 minutes and 10 seconds of control time. This set a new UFC heavyweight record and marked the most control time in a UFC fight in 16 years.
Although Almeida’s dominance was unquestionable, the fight itself lacked the explosive nature that fans have come to expect from heavyweight matchups. Almeida failed to deliver a finishing blow or inflict significant damage on Lewis. However, his ability to neutralize Lewis’s offense and avoid his devastating right hand was undoubtedly impressive.
Jailton Almeida’s victory over Derrick Lewis solidified his position as a bona fide UFC heavyweight contender. Prior to the match, Almeida was already ranked No. 10 in the world at heavyweight by ESPN. Overcoming the size disadvantage, Almeida showcased his technical prowess in wrestling and grappling to outmatch Lewis. However, his inability to secure a submission or TKO victory left room for improvement.
With his win over Lewis, Almeida extended his remarkable winning streak to 15 fights, with all six of his UFC fights resulting in victories. The Brazilian-born fighter had previously finished 14 consecutive opponents, exemplifying his dominance in the heavyweight division. Additionally, Almeida’s three straight fight-night bonuses highlighted his ability to deliver exciting performances.
Post-fight, Almeida wasted no time in targeting his next opponent. He called out former UFC interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane and expressed his willingness to face him in Gane’s home country of France. This matchup would undoubtedly be a monumental test for Almeida, who continues to climb the ranks and prove his worth in the division.
Meanwhile, the loss to Almeida marked Derrick Lewis’s fifth defeat in his past seven fights. Despite holding the record for the most knockouts in UFC history, Lewis has struggled to maintain consistent success in recent years. However, his powerful striking and fan-favorite status ensure that he remains an intriguing figure in the heavyweight division.
Jailton Almeida’s victory over Derrick Lewis showcased his dominance in the UFC heavyweight division. Despite giving up a significant weight advantage, Almeida’s skill, technique, and control were unparalleled. While the fight may have lacked the explosive nature fans crave, Almeida’s performance solidified his status as a contender to be reckoned with. As Almeida sets his sights on his next opponent, the rest of the division will undoubtedly be on high alert.
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