Jailton Almeida returns to action on Saturday night when he takes on Rizvan Kuniev in the heavyweight division. He hopes to get back in the win column after his last outing, which saw him lose to fellow top contender Alexander Volkov.
RELATED: Jailton Almeida Represents a Microcosm of Differences Between BKFC and UFC, Per Ex-Almeida Foe
It’s safe to say that many were not happy with the way Almeida approached that fight, which has been the case for many of his fights in the UFC. Unfortunately, he’s still seen as someone who could one day earn a title shot, even if he isn’t a frontrunner in that group.
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Almeida offered an interesting thought when discussing the criticism he has received since the loss to Volkov.
Almeida reflects on Volkov’s defeat
“I see that there has been a lot of talk about it [the fight]saying they didn’t like it, that it was boring and all that, but they say that because I’m Brazilian, right?” Almeida told MMA Fighting. “If it was a foreigner, everyone would like it. But life goes on. No matter what happens, we move forward. A lot of people talking wish they were where I am now. That’s how it is. We are going to receive criticism and praise. That is life and that is why we choose this sport.”
“If one day the UFC says they don’t want me anymore, I will be very satisfied with what I did, what I didn’t do, what I lost, what I won. That won’t change my life at all. Those who know me know my story. I wasn’t supposed to be an athlete today, I was supposed to be a drug dealer, following in the footsteps of my brother, but luckily God put me on the right path and today I’m here, living in this moment.”
Quotes via MMA fighting
Do you agree with this assessment? Let us know in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
#Jailton #Almeida #believes #criticism #fight #Alexander #Volkov #stems #fact #Brazilian