That's what Jairton Almeida wants — and he wants it badly.
Less than a month after defeating Alexander Romanov by submission at UFC 302, Almeida (21-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) underwent a full medical examination after the New Jersey Athletic Control Board (NJACB), which oversees the event, detected a possible knee injury.
In a statement to MMA Junkie on Thursday, Almeida ramped up his criticism of Ciryl Gane (12-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC).
“There were reports on the Internet that I was injured,” Almeida said through an interpreter, “that's not true. After the fight I felt discomfort in my knee due to a previous problem, but there is nothing wrong. I am already 100% recovered and I am also training in San Juan. I also did physical training this weekend and posted that I have a sore knee. I have already sent an MRI and a medical certificate to the UFC and everything is fine.”
“…I'm looking forward to my next fight. I'm targeting Cyril Gane in France because the fight cards in France are always very good. And today Gane is one of the highest ranked fighters in the division and has great morale within the UFC. I believe a fight with him would be great.”
With UFC's return to Paris three months away and only one fight announced, Garrn has been relatively quiet in recent months, with interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall claiming that Garrn turned down a title fight because of a film role.
It is unclear whether Gane will be available for the bout, but Almeida is doing everything he can to get him out. Almeida sees only Alexander Volkov as the only other viable option, but he doesn't think there is much point.
“I think it's unlikely that Gane will fight in France,” Almeida said. “As I posted on Twitter, all the fights mentioned are already scheduled. Now the only option is me vs Volkov. This fight doesn't suit me because he already beat Volkov in a super boring fight. It's the same thing: two very strategic fights with very little movement.”
“I think Almeida vs Gane is much more interesting because it's not only a new fight, but also a clash of styles. If I can impose my game, there's no way this fight will go all the way to the end. I'll stay calm and finish it. And if he can impose his game, he can keep the fight in the stands and put on his usual show.”
Almeida said he has already approached UFC about the fight, as well as his managers Leonardo Pateira and Tiago Okamura of On the Road Management. What happens from here on out is out of his control, but he will do his best to continue his campaign.
“My manager has already spoken to UFC about my interest in this fight,” Gane said. “I myself have spoken to Mick (Maynard) about my interest in the fight and I have already challenged Gane on social media. Now I'm just waiting for it to happen. It's all in the hands of UFC and Gane. Let's wait. A fighter's life is short and I want to stay active. I believe this fight will be a title shot and I think I'll be fighting for the belt.”
The 33-year-old Almeida is undefeated in UFC action except for a TKO loss to Curtis Blaydes in March.
The 34-year-old Ngannou is 2-1 since losing a title bout to Francis Ngannou in January 2022. He most recently fought in September, stopping Sergey Spivac with strikes in the second round.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie.
