Leonardo Pateira (left) is J. Malhadinho's manager. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @leonardopateira
Currently in fifth place in the heavyweight rankings (up to 120,2 kg) and coming off a crushing victory in the UFC 311, Jailton Malhadinho expects nothing more than to look up next. In addition to constantly asking for the opportunity to face the champion Tom aspinall, the Bahian also does not allow that Alexander Volkov escape from its reach.
Determined to reinforce Malhadinho's request, Leonardo Pateira, the athlete's agent, spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about the plans he hopes to carry out soon. In a sincere tone, the representative admitted that the belt will always be the priority, even though he is aware of the turbulent scenario that the heavyweight division is currently experiencing.
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“We believe that the best step is always the belt, so if you ask me what the ideal scenario is, it is obviously to fight for the belt, but we know that there is competition there. So, there is a great possibility of it happening.” Tom aspinall x Cyryl Gane now, for the linear belt and the fight between Malhadinho and (Alexander) Volkov ends up happening”
Tom aspinall (left) and Cyryl Gane (right) may fight for the heavyweight belt next. Photo: SUPER LUTAS Montage
“The UFC offered Malhadinho against Volkov for June, Volkov refused, the UFC put pressure on Volkov to fight, at least that’s what we got, and they came back saying that the fight would happen in the fall (September to November) which would be a good date. Malhadinho vs. Volkov would be an eliminatory fight, the winner will face Aspinall or Gane if it happens that way. But we also hope that we will get the title fight,” said Pateira.
Alexander Volkov cornered
J. Malhadinho (left) received a proposal to face A. Volkov (right) in UFC Atlanta. Photo: Reproduction/Montage SUPER FIGHTS
Case Cyryl Gane is elected as the next challenger for the belt, Pateira is keen to ensure that Malhadinho does not remain inactive. Without hesitation, the businessman pressures Volkov and his team to fulfill what was promised.
“We think from Malhadinho’s perspective, Cyryl Gane, Aspinall, (Curtis) Blaydes and all the heavyweights, they all have options to face. But from Volkov's perspective, he has no options at all. He has already fought everyone, lost, won, the only one left is Malhadinho. Besides, the other athletes already have fights scheduled. There is only Volkov x Malhadinho, there is no other option for him.”
“We don’t want to believe that Volkov would rather not fight than fight Malhadinho. ‘I’d rather delay my career here, I’m not going to fight, I’m not going to fight Malhadinho’, we prefer not to believe that, it’s not possible. Especially now that Jon Jones retired, it will give a boost to all the heavyweights (…) if Malhadinho doesn’t fight for the belt now, it’s the best move for everyone, it’s not possible that he won’t accept it”
Ciryl Gane without merits
Cyryl Gane won Alexander Volkov No. UFC 310. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC News
Keeping an eye on the Frenchman's latest performances, Léo, as he is known, declared that he does not support the idea that the former interim champion receives a new opportunity after a controversial triumph in a rematch against Volkov.
“If I think Cyryl Gane Does he deserve the title fight? Definitely not. For me, the one who deserves it is Malhadinho, because of the whole context of the category, because everyone has already fought against Aspinall and he easily beat everyone. There's only one thing that Cyryl Gane, but he has lost twice for the belt, he already had his opportunity and his last fight was horrible, he won by cheating”
Yuri Moura (left) Herrick Marinho, J. Malhadinho and L. Pateira represent the Fighting Shed. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @leonardopateira
Finally, the businessman mocked the courage of the elite members of the category and stated that they all avoid a duel against Malhadinho.
“For those who say: 'ah, Malhadinho still has to fight a top 5', then he's going to retire, no one in the top 5 wants to fight the guy and then what do you do? It was like what happened with Umar Nurmagomedov, nobody wanted to face him, so they put him in the belt directly. Nobody wants Malhadinho because they know it's a bad fight”, he concluded.
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