Cesar Almeida wants UFC-ranked opponent after ultra-violent knockout

LAS VEGAS – Eleven days into 2025, predictions were already being made that Cesar Almeida’s UFC Fight Night 249 finish of Abdul Razak Alhassan could end up on the Knockout of the Year candidates list in a little less than 12 months.

Almeida (7-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) violently stiffened Alhassan (12-7 MMA, 6-7 UFC) , who struggled to regain full consciousness for an elongated period of time Saturday at the UFC Apex. An established kickboxer prior to his MMA transition, Almeida thinks Saturday’s finish ranks atop his personal-best list.

“This is the best (knockout) of my life,” Almeida told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference.

The UFC brass was also impressed with Almeida’s handiwork. He won a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for the knockout, an admittedly emotional feat.

“I will save this money for my future and my daughters. The first fight in the Apex, I won $50,000 and saved this money for my daughter. If I win it now again, I’ll save it again. I need to save money. No sell.”

Almeida, 36, is still a relative newcomer to MMA but he doesn’t have much time to waste. After passing a veteran test like Alhassan, Almeida thinks he’s ready to fight an opponent that has a number next to their name.

“I think this fight puts me in for the next fight I want – top 15,” Almeida said. “I don’t know. I have one chance now for top 15, maybe in May in Brazil.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 249.