The judges' scorecards told the story of a one-sided affair, with Almeida securing a unanimous decision victory with scores of 50-44, 50-44, and 50-45. But the fight, while technically impressive, left some fans yearning for more action and excitement. Almeida, despite his control and takedowns, couldn't quite seal the deal with a knockout or submission, and the damage inflicted was relatively minimal.
What made this fight truly stand out was Almeida's incredible control time of 21 minutes and 10 seconds. This not only set a new UFC heavyweight record but also ranked as the fourth most control time overall in UFC history. To put this into perspective, it was the most control time seen in a UFC fight in 16 years, since Sean Sherk's 22 minutes and 18 seconds against Hermes Franca back in 2007, which still holds the all-time UFC record.
For Almeida, this was an unprecedented moment. Throughout his 11-year professional career, he had never gone to decision in a win. So, the fact that the fight even went the distance was somewhat of a surprise, with odds of +1300 according to ESPN BET.
In the post-fight interview, Almeida shared his thoughts on the match, stating, "We were able to do that and keep him down and avoid his right hand. I was touched and I didn't really feel it." This victory solidified Almeida's status as a bonafide UFC heavyweight contender, a recognition he had earned leading up to the fight, with ESPN ranking him as the 10th best heavyweight in the world.
The weight difference between Almeida and Lewis was substantial. Lewis weighed in at the heavyweight limit of 265 pounds, likely gaining even more weight before stepping into the Octagon on fight night. In contrast, Almeida tipped the scales at 236 pounds. The size disadvantage didn't deter Almeida; he overpowered his opponent with a combination of strength and technique, particularly in his wrestling and grappling skills.
It's important to note that Almeida's wrestling prowess and control-time strategy showcased his ability to nullify the powerful right hand that Lewis is known for. But while Almeida's technique was commendable, it fell just short of earning him a submission or TKO.
With this victory, Almeida's win streak extended to an impressive 15 straight fights, including his first six in the UFC. The Brazilian fighter had established a reputation as a finisher, having won his previous 14 fights via knockout or submission. Moreover, he had earned three consecutive fight-night bonuses leading up to this event, a testament to his exciting fighting style and ability to entertain fans.
Derrick Lewis, on the other hand, has had a more challenging run in recent times. He had lost five of his last seven fights, making the victory over Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC 291 in July all the more crucial. Lewis, who holds the record for the most knockouts in UFC history with 14, was unable to unleash his devastating striking against Almeida.
In the aftermath of this significant win, Almeida wasted no time in setting his sights on new challenges. He called out former UFC interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane and expressed his willingness to face Gane in his home country of France. This potential matchup promises to be an exciting prospect for MMA fans, with two talented heavyweights colliding on a global stage.
In conclusion, Jailton Almeida's victory over Derrick Lewis at UFC Sao Paulo was a testament to his skill and determination. Despite the odds stacked against him in terms of weight and power, Almeida's control-time strategy and impressive wrestling allowed him to secure a unanimous decision win. With a 15-fight winning streak, he has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC heavyweight division. As for Derrick Lewis, the loss adds to a recent string of setbacks, raising questions about his future in the division.
The world of MMA is full of surprises and unexpected outcomes, and this fight serves as a reminder that anything can happen in the octagon. With Almeida's callout to Ciryl Gane, we are left wondering if we will witness another thrilling chapter in the ever-evolving world of heavyweight MMA.
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