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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Erickson and Ken Hathaway

Jailton Almeida says his training camp was harder than UFC 283 win over Abdurakhimov

RIO DE JANEIRO – Jailton Almeida beat Shamil Abdurakhimov with a second-round TKO Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 283 at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro.

Take a look inside the fight with Almeida, who stayed perfect in the UFC and won for the 12th straight time.

Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Jailton Almeida

Jan 21, 2023; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Jailton Almeida (blue gloves) reacts after the fight against Shamil Abdurakhimov (red gloves) during UFC 283 at Jeunesse Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason da Silva-USA TODAY Sports

Result: Jailton Almeida def. Shamil Abdurakhimov via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 2:56
Updated records: Almeida (18-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC), Abdurakhimov (20-8 MMA, 5-6 UFC)
Key stat: Almeida was the biggest favorite on the card at nearly 10-1 and outstruck Abdurakhimov 89-3, including 45-1 in significant strikes.

Almeida on the fight's key moment

Jan 21, 2023; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Shamil Abdurakhimov (red gloves) fights Jailton Almeida (blue gloves) during UFC 283 at Jeunesse Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason da Silva-USA TODAY Sports

“I didn’t feel (his first big punch) that much. His hand wasn’t that heavy. I didn’t lose anything (when he hit me). … I came to fight three rounds, but I realized by the second round, he was starting to get fatigued. I saw an opportunity and I finished the fight.”

Almeida on fighting a ranked opponent

Jan 21, 2023; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Shamil Abdurakhimov (red gloves) fights Jailton Almeida (blue gloves) during UFC 283 at Jeunesse Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason da Silva-USA TODAY Sports

“I was holding back to start with, but I didn’t find it that difficult. The camp was harder than the actual fight.”

Almeida on what he wants next

“I’m a really down-to-earth fighter. I’m not going to call anyone out. I just need the bosses to do that for me. … I’ll stay at heavyweight. I don’t have anyone to call out now, but I definitely want to go up the ranks.”

To hear more from Almeida, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 283.

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