It started with a spinning back elbow and ended with Anthony Birchak slumping to the canvas, knee bent outward and dazed, as medical staff rushed to assess the damage inflicted by the undefeated Brazilian.
It was a 16th KO win for Almeida (4-0 UFC) as the Brazilian continued to build on his impressive UFC form on home soil. In a stunning final act, Almeida unleashed an assault of facial hits on a visibly weakened Birchak to claim the win, and maintain his winning record in uncompromising fashion. But the concluding phases of this fight belie the pacey and even exchanges that preceded it.
In the pre-match build-up, Birchak vowed to find Almeida's chin and he managed to do that with a few nice connections which suggested that this was a fight that would go to the judge's. But the physicality soon took its toll on the American and Almeida pounced. Using his reach to full effect, the Brazilian landed some sweet strokes to press Birchak against the cage and polish him off with a three punch combo.
Thomas Almeida is probably the best fighter to come out from Chute Boxe since PRIDE.
— Guilherme Cruz (@guicruzzz) November 8, 2015
How can you not be a fan of Thomas Almeida. @FS1 @ufc
— michael (@bisping) November 8, 2015
21 wins, 0 losses with 20 finishes for @ThomasalmeidaCB 😱 #UFCSP
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) November 8, 2015
Absolutely FILTHY KO by Thomas Almeida. You will see that KO on the highlight reels for the next decade. Reminded me of Evans/Machida.
— Adam Martin (@MMAdamMartin) November 8, 2015
Almeida is nasty! This kid is 21-0 now and another vicious KO. pic.twitter.com/JcNexfLBC1
— Dana White (@danawhite) November 8, 2015
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