Free agent Klidson Abreu hopes for UFC deal after big win in Russia: ‘I’m the No. 1 in Brazil’

CURITIBA, Brazil — Klidson Abreu wants bigger challenges in 2018.

The 25-year-old light heavyweight prospect won the Brave CF title in 2017 and successfully defended it earlier this year. Abreu parted ways with the company shortly after, and went on to tap former two-time M-1 Global champion Viktor Nemkov at RCC 3 in Russia.

”He’s good, experienced, a former M-1 champion, but I was going there for a war,” Abreu told MMA Fighting. “Let’s see if this Russian is really good, put him against a ‘manauara’ that will break him. He was superior on the feet, but I was calm enough and got the victory.”

The Evolucao Thai product says that Russian promotion M-1 Global is offering him a deal now, but he currently is a free agent since he only signed a one-fight deal with RCC.

”I’ve received offers from M-1 and other promotions, and I’m ready to fight,” Abreu said. “I’m ready. Let’s see what the future holds for me.”

A winner of five in a row, the 13-2 talent is in a good position right now, and targets the big leagues in the United States.

”Every fighter wants to be in the UFC, but I haven’t received an offer from them yet,” Abreu said. “I’m coming off five wins with five finishes and expected an offer from the UFC or Bellator, but nothing came yet. It will come one day — and when it does, I’ll be prepared. UFC is everyone’s dream, and I want that.”

Abreu has never gone the distance in 15 professional fights, including a rear-naked choke victory over Brazilian heavyweight Johnny Walker, who is slated to meet Luis Henrique da Silva in the Contender Series in August.

”I think I’m the No. 1 in Brazil,” he continued. “I won the Brave belt, won in Russia now. If they put me to fight in Russia again, I’ll win. I think I deserve a chance. If they are listening, give me a spot in the UFC and I’ll put on a show.”