Thomas “Thominhas” Almeida (21-2) will be looking to bounce back from a decision loss to #4 ranked Jimmie Rivera when he takes on the well-rounded Rob Font at UFC 220.
Fearless striker
Due to the magnitude of UFC 220’s main event, many fights on the card are being overlooked by fans and experts alike. However, one of the most anticipated fights this Saturday is Rob Font vs. Thomas Almeida.
Thomas Almeida may possess some of the best striking in the 135lb division. The Brazilian mixes his world class Muay Thai with relentless pressure to tire his opponents and eventually finish them. He is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt – meaning he’s a threat wherever the fight goes. With notable wins over Brad Pickett, Anthony Birchak and Albert Morales, expect a striking masterclass.
He made his debut for the UFC in 2014, dismantling Tim Gorman over the course of three rounds to score a unanimous decision victory. How, ver Almeida wasn’t satisfied with the way the fight ended, and made some adjustments. He won the next three fights by knockout, the most memorable being his flying knee KO over Brad Pickett at UFC 189.
With a record of 5-2 under the promotion, Thomas Almeida has received a post-fight bonus with every victory he has earned – four Performance of the Night awards and one Fight of the Night. Expect no different from “Thominhas” in this fight.
Always looking for the knockout
In an interview with The Sports Journal, the #10 ranked bantamweight spoke about his main aim UFC 220 – putting on a show for the fans.
“I think it’s going to be a good fight for the fans. This is what really matters, a good show for the fans.”
He also cited that he is in no hurry, he appreciates the three rounds he has to showcase everything he has been working on during training. However, going for the knockout is still his game plan.
“I always go for the knockout because that’s my roots from Muay Thai. All my fans love to watch my fights so I’ll be ready for everything. I always look for the knockout.”
Keys to victory
Thomas Almeida’s keys to victory are simple. Keep the fight standing and use his superior stand up skills and unrelenting pressure to look for the knockout. As his opponent has the reach advantage, Almeida will likely turn the fight into an all out brawl, meaning he will be pushing the pace. A victory over Rob Font may move Almeida up in the rankings, which could result in his next fight being against a top 5 fighter.
If he is able to defeat his opponent, who do you think Almeida should face next?
