CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — With his first main event spot now behind him, UFC heavyweight Gilton Almeida is looking forward to his next challenge who already has a name and potential cities for him.
“UFC Abu Dhabi or maybe UFC Brazil in October. Tai Tuivasa, he’s either coming to Brazil to get energy there, or maybe he’s going to Abu Dhabi where I heard he’s already doing his camp,” Almeida told reporters including Cageside Press through a translator at position after the fight.
“Don’t worry. We’ll do it. We’ll make the effort and go for it.”
On Saturday at UFC Charlotte, Almeida made quick work of #9 heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik who finished in the first round via submission. Even with Almeida’s reputation ahead of him, this was the biggest win of his career to date.
“So grateful to actually have this opportunity. I have had 11 years of my life dedicated to this. Whenever I get to that point, I feel like having the opportunity to do that is so amazing. I feel like it’s a dream come true.”
After the win, fans took to social media to declare Almeida a future UFC champion.
“I just take this as a ladder full of steps. I’m very happy because I’m looking at the top 10 right now,” Almeida said.
“By the end of the year, you’re seventh or sixth, and then next year, maybe you go and capture that title you all dream of.”
Watch the full after-fight movie with Jailton Almeida above.