Earlier this week, Brazilian fans met the country's newest addition to the UFC squad. After putting on a show on 'Dana White's Contender Series' and submitting the then undefeated Nasrudin Nasrudinov, Jailton Malhadinho guaranteed presence in Ultimate, but wants more. In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel, the Bahian introduced himself to the fans, highlighted his main characteristics and has already challenged a possible rival.
See too
For his fight in 'Contender', Malhadinho arrived at the octagon with a victorious record and backed by eight consecutive victories. In this week's event, the fighter acted in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg), but guarantees that he can cover both divisions.
Show on Contender
The dream of many athletes around the world is to one day make it to the UFC. For Jailton, the achievement could be achieved in the event of a great performance against Nasrudin Nasrudinov, who entered the octagon without ever having felt the taste of defeat. The Russian's resume, however, did not intimidate the Brazilian, who described the strategy outlined to reach the finish in the second round.
“We followed the nine fights he had. He wasn't a guy who took pressure, in any fight. So, my coach said: 'we're going to start putting pressure on him (Nasrudinov) to see how he'll react'. We also saw that putting pressure on his opponents got tired. As my game is fair, and I always play this game, people think I get tired, and I don't. The one who gets tired is my opponent. We made a perfect strategy to get into a good position and get the finish we achieved”, said Jailton.
Heavy on the grappler
With the body type to perform both in the up to 93kg division and in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg), Malhadinho has a style that differs from a number of other fighters in the aforementioned categories. Supported by grapple (grappling) as his main weapon, the athlete spoke about this characteristic adopted for his professional presentations.
“My coach created this style for me. He said: 'You're a very strong guy in jiu-jitsu. When you get into position, you immediately look for the submission. So, focus more on grapple that, in this category, you will take off'. It’s no surprise that I have nine consecutive wins, and all on fast tracks,” he said.
'Khabib style' of acting
After describing the main characteristic, Jailton did not miss a reference to his style. According to the athlete, his base is similar to that of the legendary Khabib Nurmagumedov who, with an efficient style, ended his career undefeated (29-0) in October last season.
“He (Khabib) is a simple guy. He does his 'beans and rice' and everyone falls into position. There's no way to defend it. There are few gyms that have this type of training. I'm very inspired by Khabib, I watch a lot of videos of Russians training. I'm adapting to this. To be the new Khabib at 93kg. or heavyweight”, guaranteed the Brazilian.
Light heavyweight or heavyweight? Malhadinho responds
The contract with the UFC arrived in light heavyweight action today, led by Jan Blachowicz. Jailton, however, states that the trajectory in Ultimate can be started in the top category. The Brazilian, however, makes clear the possibility of playing in both groups.
“I fight in both categories, but we have a project for heavyweight, because I'm going to arrive much stronger, at 110kg, more or less. There are few heavyweights who have the body type that I have. I’m going to arrive, arriving,” she said.
Challenge done
A few hours after his impressive victory in 'Contender', Malhadinho is already eyeing his debut fight as a UFC professional. Without hesitation, the Brazilian asked for a name for his debut.
"Jared Vanderaa. I would like to fight him. It’s a fight strategy, to reach the UFC with victory”, he concluded.
Athlete's history
At 30 years old, Malhadinho has been a professional in MMA since September 2012. Today, the fighter has 14 victories in 16 challenges in the sport. Nine of the victories were by submission and five by knockout. The Bahian never left a positive result in the hands of the judges.
