Outside of the UFC, Malhadinho questions Russian star and ignites rivalry ahead of his debut: 'That's his problem'

Malhadinho promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Finally, the day of Jailton Malhadinho 's debut in ACA is approaching. This Saturday (12), in Krasnodar (RUS), the Brazilian will have his first fight outside the UFC and it is extremely important. In the main fight of the event, valid for the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg), the Bahia native faces Evgeny Goncharov, one of the company's main names, and the atmosphere between them is hostile.

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Recently, Valter Walker 's training partner accused the Brazilian of using banned substances to strengthen himself and improve his performance, and went even further. Goncharov didn't like seeing Malhadinho claiming to be superior in all aspects of fighting and criticized him. Without hesitation, the Bahia native responded. According to Jailton, his rival's reaction was exaggerated, and aware of his quality and experience in the UFC, he set aside his humility and promised to show him the difference in skill levels between them.

“I’ve always held Goncharov in high regard. I’ve called him the greatest heavyweight in ACA history and praised his skills. And yes, at one point I said I was better than him in every aspect. What’s wrong with that? Should I go into a fight thinking I’m inferior? If that’s how he approaches his fights, that’s his problem,” the fighter said in an interview with ACA itself.

“I go in convinced that I am the best. I was respectful, so if something offended him, that’s his problem. Does he want to take it personally? No problem. And yes, I’ll repeat: I believe I am better than him in every aspect and, on September 12th, I’m going to prove it!”, he concluded.

Malhadinho's history in MMA.

Jailton Malhadinho , 35, is a high-level athlete who competes in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. The Brazilian began his MMA career in 2012, debuted in the UFC in 2022, and left the company in 2026. He is currently competing in ACA.

In his career, the Bahia native built a record of 22 wins, 21 of them by stoppage (13 by submission and 8 by knockout), and five losses. His main victories were over Derrick Lewis , Jairzinho Rozenstruik , and Serghei Spivac.

Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.