UFC 128 – Ricardo Almeida promises to bring a touch of that blue-collar work ethic with him to the octagon

UFC welterweight grappler, Ricardo Almeida has been speaking about his excitement at fighting so close to his home, the third time in recent years, when he takes to the octagon this Saturday night at UFC 128 in Newark, New Jersey, as well as how he plans on bringing a touch of the old blue-collar work ethic with him this time around.
Speaking via MMAWeekly.com, Almeida said:

“That blue-collar work ethic is something I’ve always identified with the people from New Jersey. It’s a combination of many things, so for sure it’s working really well for all of us. It’ll be my third fight close to home. I fought in Philly first, which is about 45 minutes from where I live. Newark is about 45 minutes.”

“I’m pumped! Everyone is coming out to watch. I was actually at the (New Jersey) Nets basketball game and I got to throw some shirts with the mascot. There were a ton of UFC fans in the crowd. It’s going to be a packed house. I think it’s going to be even more energy than last year when we fought in March. I’ll do my best to rep Jersey.”

Almeida will look to continue to establish himself at 170 pounds despite losing at UFC 117 to former long-time champion, Matt Hughes over the summer. He since rebounded with a win over T.J. Grant at UFC 124 in December. Stay tuned to MMABay for more on this fight and more as we get it.