Jailton Almeida Wants to Follow in Chimaev’s Footsteps, Win Fights in Two Divisions

After submitting Nasrudin Nasrudinov to earn a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, Jailton Almeida impressed yet again in his Octagon debut with a first-round TKO of Danilo Marques at UFC Fight Night 200.

Almeida was originally slated to meet Maxim Grishin in a light heavyweight bout at UFC Fight Night 206 on Saturday before his opponent withdrew as a result of an injury. Instead, he’ll move up a weight class in order to remain on the card.

“Mick Maynard offered us an opportunity at heavyweight against Parker Porter and since I want to be active, I decided to accept,” Almeida told Sherdog.com.

A self-proclaimed fan of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Khamzat Chimaev, Almeida revealed that fighting Porter is part of his plan to follow in Chimaev’s footsteps.

“In our last interview I told you I want to be the Khabib Nurmagomedov of 205-pound division,” he said. “But I also want to be just like Chimaev, fighting in two divisions. The opportunity Maynard gave us was great to show I can be competitive in both divisions.”

The son of a professional boxer, “Malhadinho” began training when he was 6 years old. By 11, he began jiu-jitsu and was considered the best brown belt in his state (Bahia) before receiving his black belt. Against Porter, Almeida wants to show his skill in all areas.

“No doubt Parker is a tough opponent, very aggressive,” Almeida said. “Unlike most heavyweights, he likes to take opponents down, but he will have no easy time with me. No matter whether it’s in the standup or on the ground, I’m going to look for the knockout or submission. I’m going for ‘Performance of the Night.’”