Jailton Almeida has issued multiple called callouts hoping to book a five-round heavyweight clash with former UFC interim champion Cyril Gane as the main event of the UFC Paris on Sept. 28, and he’s getting inpatient with the lack of response from “Bon Gamin”.
Almeida made short work of Alexandr Romanov at UFC 302, bouncing back from his first octagon defeat to Curtis Blaydes, and has since been cleared to train with no restrictions following a minor knee injury suffered during the bout. “Malhadinho” feels he’s the only option that makes sense for Gane since every other top-ranked heavyweight is currently booked except for Alexander Volkov and Sergei Pavlovich, who fought in Saudi Arabia.
“The only options now are myself and Volkov, and he already beat Volkov in a very boring fight,” Almeida told MMA Fighting. “The game doesn’t match, it would be the exact same thing again, both fighters doing a very tactical, slow-paced fight. Almeida vs. Gane would be way more interesting, not only because it’s a new matchup, but also because of the clash of different styles.
“There’s no way this fight would go the distance. If I can impose my game, I will take him down and submit him. If he can impose his game, he will do everything he can to keep it on the feet and put on the show he’s used to.”
Almeida said he’s heard neither Gane nor UFC are interested in putting the bout together because it would be a bad matchup style-wise for the Frenchman, but “strongly” disagrees.
“First, Gane beat [Serghei] Spivac last year and his style is similar to mine,” Almeida said. “He defended the takedowns and walked through him on the feet to get the knockout. Also, I don’t see the UFC protecting anyone. The UFC wants to make the best fights possible. I was on a rise and they put me in Brazil against Blaydes, who was one of the worst matchups for me, so I don’t think that makes sense.”
Gane has only lost twice in 14 pro MMA bouts, falling short in a pair of championship clashes with Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. Almeida won seven of his eight UFC bouts, with six finishes to his credit.
“My manager has talked to the UFC about my interest in this fight, I personally talked to [UFC matchmaker] Mick [Maynard] about this fight, and I’ve called out Gane on social media,” Almeida said. “I’m just waiting for this fight to happen. It’s in UFC’s and Gane’s hands. Let’s wait. I want to stay active because life is short for a fighter and I believe this fight could be a title eliminator and make me next in line for the belt.”
A lightweight bout between Renato Moicano vs. Benoit Saint Denis is currently expected to serve as the main event of UFC Paris.
