by Jon Jones’ retirement and Tom Aspinall’s undisputed crown sent shock waves through the combat sport world, but the news meant more for Jilton Almeida than almost everyone.
With the division fog that rose over the heavyweight division for almost two years, Almeida (22-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) is on the shortlist of hunters in the discussion for Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC).
“I am happy with the news,” Almeida told MMA Junkie on Monday through a Portuguese language interpreter. “The division is finally moving. That’s great. I am a bit surprised how things are going. Dana White just gives us the information at a press conference is a bit strange for the size of Jon Jones and everything he represents. To get that way, he can finally get a chance.”
Almeida has been in Limbo since his victory over Serghei Spivac in January. He confirmed that the UFC a match of 14 June vs. Alexander Volkov offered, but the Russian heavyweight could not handle it. The promotion then pointed out somewhere in the fall, but now Almeida said that he is not sure either.
“It doesn’t look like it is happening either,” said Almeida. “I have just focused on working on myself, working on my game and helping all my training partners.
Almeida, Volkov (38-11 MMA, 12-5 UFC) and former interim champion Ciryl Gane are the three names that Fight fans have been repeatedly raised since the award-winning Aspinall on Saturday. Gane and Volkov recently appeared against each other in December when Gane won a controversial split decision.
While UFC CEO Dana White refused to reveal the lean of the promotion in terms of the first fight of Aspinall as undisputed champion, the promotion Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho as the main event for his return to Paris in September. Given the popularity and history of Gane as a headliner in Paris, that could indicate that the Frenchman is the next one for the British champion.
Although Almeida acknowledges that the “best case scenario” of a title recording is unlikely, he remains determined that he is the most difficult test in the Asinall division, which usually has a considerably struggling benefit compared to its opponents.
“Looking at the current scene, Volkov as much as the victory was controversial for Gane, Volkov had won, perhaps he would be in title interviews,” said Almeida. “But coming from a loss, even if it was a robbery, you can’t drop a man with fighting for the title immediately, unless he is a huge name, which unfortunately is not the case for him. Then we have Gane who has been a (win) that has already been for the title already a few times. He has done it.
Until the clarity comes, Almeida said that he will stay in the gym, because he helps to train partners Samuel Sanches and Felipe Franco to prepare for their periods of September 9 on the Contender Series of Dana White. When the phone passes, Almeida said he will be ready. If the Volkov is, Almeida will be satisfied. If it is Aspinall, he thinks he will prove the world who is the best heavyweight.
“Aspinall is an extremely talented hunter,” said Almeida. “We have seen him grab him. We have seen him boxing. Everything is very good with him. He is one of the best there is. We have not seen him with pressure. I think he has done a little with Volkov now, maybe. But he can’t get through it. Really difficult because that is my style.
“There is only one way for us to find out and that is to match the fight. That is the thing. If I get a title fight, you can expect that I fight for my life. I will give everything I have and more to get away with the title. This is a long dream of mine and if I get the chance of the UFC, I can guarantee what they are with what they are with what they are.”
