Cesar Almeida aims to be part of the “kickboxing wave” in the UFC, aspiring to become the next successful striker in the organization. Despite his age of 35 and a relatively short 3-0 MMA record, he’s been granted an opportunity on the UFC’s Contender Series against middleweight Lucas Fernando on August 8. This show typically features emerging young talents, but Almeida’s kickboxing victory over former GLORY and UFC champion Alex Pereira played a significant role in his selection.
Almeida had three encounters with Pereira in a span of 27 months in Sao Paulo, Brazil. After a loss in their initial match in March 2013, he gained revenge in a WGP one-night, four-man tournament nine months later. The trilogy concluded in July 2015, with Pereira securing the judges’ decision. Following this, Pereira’s career flourished, highlighted by wins against Israel Adesanya in kickboxing and successful championship runs in GLORY and the UFC.
Almeida made his MMA debut shortly after the trilogy, then returned to MMA in 2021 with consecutive first-round knockouts, ultimately earning his Contender Series shot. He acknowledged that his victory over Pereira played a role in his opportunity, but he also emphasized the UFC’s interest in kickboxers due to their exciting style that resonates with fans.
Almeida’s upcoming bout against Lucas Fernando, a former teammate with a striking background, is set for Tuesday night. Almeida remains confident, disregarding their previous training sessions as they occurred many years ago. He anticipates Fernando will try to maintain distance due to his height advantage and will seek to control the fight on their feet, given his background from Pedro Rizzo’s team, known for its striking prowess.
Almeida acknowledged the conflict of facing a former training partner but stressed that this is the opportunity they’ve been given, and they must face each other. With a potential UFC contract at stake, Almeida envisions a successful octagon debut and a knockout victory, with hopes of making his debut at UFC Sao Paulo on November 4, reflecting on the possibility with great enthusiasm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Contender Series
Who is Cesar Almeida and what is his fighting background?
Cesar Almeida is a fighter aiming to join the “kickboxing wave” in the UFC. He holds a 3-0 record in MMA and is known for his striking skills.
How did Cesar Almeida secure a spot on the UFC’s Contender Series?
Despite having only a 3-0 record in MMA and being 35 years old, Cesar Almeida was offered a chance on the UFC’s Contender Series due to his kickboxing win over former GLORY and UFC champion Alex Pereira.
How did Cesar Almeida’s history with Alex Pereira influence his opportunity?
Cesar Almeida fought Alex Pereira three times in a span of 27 months in Brazil, which included a kickboxing win over Pereira. This win, coupled with the UFC’s interest in kickboxers, helped Almeida’s case for a Contender Series spot.
What are Cesar Almeida’s thoughts on his upcoming opponent, Lucas Fernando?
Cesar Almeida is set to face Lucas Fernando, a former teammate with a striking background. He anticipates Fernando will aim to control the fight on the feet due to his training under Pedro Rizzo’s team, known for their striking skills.
What does Cesar Almeida hope to achieve with his upcoming fight?
Cesar Almeida envisions a knockout victory in his Contender Series bout against Lucas Fernando. He hopes to make a successful octagon debut and dreams of joining the UFC event in Sao Paulo.
What tags are relevant to this text?
UFC, Contender Series, Kickboxing Wave, Cesar Almeida, Lucas Fernando, Octagon Debut, MMA Career
More about Contender Series
- Cesar Almeida’s Kickboxing Win Over Alex Pereira
- UFC’s Contender Series
- Alex Pereira’s GLORY and UFC Achievements
- Pedro Rizzo’s Striking Team
- UFC Event in Sao Paulo
