Cesar Almeida, UFC 307 Post-Fight Scrum Credit: Dylan Napoleone/Cageside Press
Former Glory kickboxer Cesar Almeida fights this weekend at UFC Vegas 112. Almeida’s kickboxing has led him to a 3-1 record in the UFC, despite entering the promotion at just 4-0. With kickboxers making the switch to MMA becoming more frequent every day, reports have confirmed that former Glory Heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven is in talks with the UFC.
Verhoeven, with a 49-8 kickboxing record and 1-0 MMA record, is widely regarded as the greatest kickboxer of all time. After relinquishing his title, Verhoeven seems like a prime candidate to be the next to transition. Almeida was asked about Verhoeven potentially making the switch,
“This guy is f***ing tough, man. I think he’ll have a lot of problems for the Heavyweight division. I fought on the same card as Rico twice. This guy is big, and he moves like Muhammad Ali. The guy surprised Ciryl Gane with movement. When Rico comes, you’ll see real kickboxing. I think this is a problem for the Heavyweight division.”
When asked how much grappling Verhoeven would need to work on before coming in, Almeida gave a surprising response.
“I think he just needs to work on his kickboxing. Because if he’s feeling his time, feeling his distance, the guy can’t take him down. He’s big, big.”
This checks out based on Verhoeven’s massive 6’5, 255-pound frame. Along with his nearly 83-inch reach, giving him an advantage over almost all in the division as well.
As for his fight this weekend and beyond, Almeida expects to reach the top 15 soon.
“My plan is three fights next year, and maybe if I win this fight, the next fight will be top 15. I believe in myself and my potential; I know I can fight in the top 15. I plan to win this time, be back next year for three fights, and make it to the top 15.”
Cesar Almeida takes on Cezary Oleksiejczuk at UFC Vegas 112 in Las Vegas on Saturday.