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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Nolan King and Ken Hathaway

Curtis Blaydes explains why UFC 299 opponent Jailton Almeida is ‘like a heavyweight version of Demian Maia’

MIAMI – Curtis Blaydes understands the comparisons between him and UFC 299 opponent Jailton Almeida, but he thinks the similarities end outside of the grappling department.

“That’s the beauty of being multifaceted,” Blaydes told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “I don’t have one path to victory. I can win on the feet. I can grapple. I’ve always shown I have the power to knock guys out. I’m very confident I will be able to out-show him on the feet.”

Blaydes (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) and Almeida (20-2 MMA, 6-0 UFC) were supposed to compete in November in Brazil. However, Blaydes withdrew due to two ankle injuries. He watched closely on fight night as Almeida dragged replacement Derrick Lewis all over the canvas.

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