Curtis Blaydes believes he holds the upper hand when it comes to grappling skills against Jailton Almeida.
Follow Us
Curtis Blaydes believes he holds the upper hand when it comes to grappling skills against Jailton Almeida, as they prepare to clash in the main event of a UFC Fight Night on November 4th in Sao Paulo, Brazil. With both fighters known for their exceptional grappling abilities, Blaydes is confident in his ability to come out on top in that aspect of the fight.
“I like the matchup, though,” Blaydes told MMA Junkie. “I do like Almeida. I think he’s going to come in and look to grapple with me, and I feel like I’m always going to be the better grappler.”
Blaydes has a hazy recollection of the last time he faced a takedown attempt, but he eagerly embraces the opportunity to test his grappling skills against Almeida.
Read More: Conor McGregor’s deleted Instagram post sparks speculation after USADA deadline mishap
Having experienced a significant gap since his last takedown defense, Blaydes anticipates that Almeida might underestimate his abilities in that aspect. However, Blaydes is quick to dismiss any notions of rustiness, emphasizing his extensive wrestling background since 2004.
He confidently asserts that his sprawls will remain impeccable, unaffected by the time elapsed. In this matchup, Blaydes relishes the challenge of Almeida attempting to take him down, as he embraces the role of the striker.
“It’s been a minute, and I think he’s probably going to think, ‘Oh, he hasn’t had to defend a takedown in a while so he’s going to be a little rusty.’ I’ve been wrestling since 2004. I’m not going to be rusty. My sprawls are always going to be 100 percent, and I look forward to the challenge of him trying to take me down and me being the striker in this matchup.”
Blaydes envisions himself avoiding any setbacks in the grappling exchanges, firmly believing that Almeida’s grappling prowess won’t halt him. All four of Blaydes’ previous defeats have been due to knockout blows. Therefore, Blaydes asserts that if Almeida aims to emerge victorious, he must deliver a devastating knockout to leave him unconscious and with his lights out.
“If he wants to play jiu-jitsu on the bottom, that’s fine with me,” Blaydes said. “He’ll lose the rounds and I don’t believe I’m going to get caught in any slick submissions. You’re going to have to knock me out. That’s the only way you’re going to be able to beat me.”
Read More: UFC 290 results: Volkanovski showcases dominance in TKO finish over Rodriguez
For more UFC news
Get the latest from Sportslumo.com by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
