In the demanding world of mixed martial arts, where individual journeys often define a fighter`s path, the bond between teammates provides an essential layer of support and shared ambition. Brazilian contenders Eduarda Moura and Jailton Almeida exemplify this dynamic, training together as they navigate their respective climbs within the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
While Almeida stands as a prominent figure in the heavyweight division, vocal in his pursuit of championship gold, Moura is currently focused on establishing herself and finding optimal performance in a new weight class, the flyweight division (125 lbs). Her perspective offers unique insight into both her own career transition and the immediate future of her esteemed training partner.
Almeida, known to many as `Malhadinho`, has compiled an impressive 8-1 record since making his UFC debut in 2022, with seven of those victories coming inside the distance. This dominant run has solidified his status among the heavyweight elite, inevitably bringing him closer to a title challenge. According to Moura, the timing for Almeida`s shot at the belt is no longer a question of if, but when. She believes his position at the top of the rankings dictates that a title opportunity is imminent, regardless of who his next opponent might be, whether it is Alexander Volkov or another top contender.
“There’s nothing else to be done,” Moura stated, conveying the sense of inevitability surrounding Almeida`s ascent. “He belongs at the top and I truly believe he will get there.”
The name frequently linked to Almeida`s title aspirations is Tom Aspinall, the current interim heavyweight champion. Moura views a potential confrontation with Aspinall as the most significant challenge Almeida could face, underscoring the necessity for thorough preparation. However, she possesses a strong conviction regarding the outcome should this matchup materialize. Moura predicts that Almeida will leverage his exceptional grappling skills to secure a takedown and finish the fight via submission.
“I think ‘Malhadinho’ takes him down and catches him, for sure,” she affirmed, acknowledging Aspinall`s well-known striking speed and power. She anticipates Almeida will look to initiate his grappling offense early, consistent with his fighting style, in an effort to secure a swift victory and, in a lighthearted aside, potentially ease the tension for their supporters.
Meanwhile, Moura`s own trajectory has recently involved a strategic shift. Having previously competed at strawweight (115 lbs), she made the move to the flyweight division following a challenging experience with weight cutting. A particularly difficult cut prior to a recent bout resulted in her missing weight and, in her assessment, significantly impacting her performance in what became her first professional loss. Reflecting on that period, Moura described it as a crucial learning moment that necessitated a change.
Now competing at 125 pounds, Moura feels physically stronger and more comfortable, describing flyweight as her “true division.” Her debut in the weight class, a decision win over Veronica Hardy, reinforced the positive impact of this transition. Her next assignment is against the seasoned former title challenger, Lauren Murphy, at UFC Nashville.
Moura anticipates Murphy will approach the fight with experience and composure but remains confident in her ability to control the contest with her grappling, aiming to secure her second consecutive victory at flyweight.
The move up in weight has also subtly altered Moura`s perspective on the championship landscape. While respecting the talent within the flyweight division, she offered an interesting comparison to her former weight class, specifically referencing strawweight champion Weili Zhang. Moura expressed significant admiration for Zhang, considering her a uniquely formidable opponent. This personal assessment led her to the conclusion that the prospect of challenging Weili at strawweight felt more daunting than a potential future title bout against someone like Valentina Shevchenko in the flyweight division, primarily due to her perception of Zhang`s overall potential.
Asked about the possibility of Weili Zhang eventually moving up to challenge the flyweight elite, Moura responded with a touch of wry humor, suggesting Zhang would likely remain in her current division. However, she concluded with the pragmatic readiness inherent in a fighter`s mindset: if such a challenge were to arise, she would be prepared to face it.
As Jailton Almeida continues his focused pursuit of the UFC heavyweight title, perhaps culminating in the Aspinall clash Moura envisions, Eduarda Moura steadily progresses in the flyweight ranks, demonstrating the value of adaptation and perseverance. Their individual paths, distinct in weight class and current focus, remain connected by the shared environment of their training camp and the mutual belief that both are destined for continued success at the sport`s highest level.
