LAS VEGAS – Cesar Almeida is embracing the benefits of a forced break ahead of his UFC on ESPN 73 fight, which he believes will bear fruit against Cezary Oleksiejczuk on Saturday.
Almeida (7-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) has been sidelined by injury since his victory over Roman Kopilov at UFC 311 in January. He said the recovery process was “really tough,” but now he’s back and ready to take on Octagon newcomer Oleksiczuk (16-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) in a middleweight bout at UFC Apex (ESPN2, ESPN+).
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“It happens to fighters in all sports, it’s normal,” Almeida told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s media day. “People are hurting very badly. But I’m happy. I think that’s the plan. I don’t understand it, but sometimes I don’t understand some of the things that happen in our lives. But I think it’s been very good for me because I get to spend more time with my family. My spirit is better now. My experience is better now. Everything is better. I’m always looking for positivity in my life, and the seven months I lived in the house were good for me.”
Almeida, 37, said he is keen to fight three times in 2026 and compete in some ranking events. The first person he needs to deal with is 25-year-old Oleksiejczuk.
“He’s making his UFC debut, but he has a very good professional background,” Almeida said. “It’s a good matchup. Two guys that are going to attack. I think it’s a good matchup for me and him… I’ve realized that having one more fight in the UFC and getting a win, my arm is going to be raised. That’s my plan. I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but I feel like I’m going to win this fight.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Cesar Almeida doesn’t disappoint in debut at UFC Vegas 112
