Bantamweight Thomas Almeida enjoys Sean O’Malley’s antics ahead of their fight at UFC 260.
UFC bantamweight Thomas Almeida feels ready and excited to take on one of the division’s biggest prospects for his next fight. Paired up against Sean O’Malley for a main card bout at UFC 260, the Brazilian has also been enjoying his opponent’s antics, calling ‘Sugar’ a funny guy ahead of their match.
In an interview with Ag Fight, Almeida explained how it may be hard to take Sean seriously, though. Despite having lost to Marlon Vera via TKO in his last outing, O’Malley has been having a hard time accepting the loss, which “Thominhas” finds amusing to see. However, Thomas wants fans to be sure he will take his opponent seriously on Saturday night.
“He says he is still undefeated. What credibility does he have? He can’t even own up to his mistakes, to the bad things he goes through. He talks too much, but I think it’s funny, I just laugh. I focus on what I can control. I’m delivering 100%. He can say whatever he wants. When the door closes, it’s just me and him. My mind is bulletproof.”
After losing his last outing following a two-year hiatus from the Octagon, Almeida cannot wait to end the bad skid and get back on the win column. To beat someone like O’Malley is a great opportunity for the Brazilian to get back into the promotion’s and the fans’ graces, and Thominhas knows he cannot waste it.
“I’m anxious for this fight. I have a great fight against O’Malley ahead of me.” Almeida continued. “He’s a popular guy, he likes to talk, that’s cool. This hypes up the fight, makes people interested. He’s talented, but I trust my weapons. My mindset is good, I’m happy and I’m coming for him. When I push the pace, I’m sure he won’t handle it. I enjoy a brawl and so do the fans. If fhe fight stays on the feet, it could be a great show. He’s a showman, too.”
Currently on a three-fight losing skid, Almeida (22-4) dropped a unanimous decision to Jonathan Martinez in his last outing, back in October 2020. Before that, the 29-year-old had suffered defeats to both Rob Font and Jimmie Rivera. His latest win happened in November 2016, when he bested Albert Morales by TKO.
Now, Almeida is expected to take on O’Malley at UFC 260, at the UFC Apex, in Las Vegas, on March 27. The card is scheduled to be headlined by a rematch for the heavyweight title between the champpion, Stipe Miocic, and top contender Francis Ngannou.